Lisandro Martinez condemned as costly red card hurts Manchester United defender in Chelsea defeat
Red card shifts the match
Martinez was sent off after raising an elbow and catching an opponent in the face during a corner. The incident was not called in real time; VAR official James Bell directed referee Peter Bankes to review it on a screen, and Bankes dismissed the defender.
Chelsea had taken the lead through Morgan Rogers before Martinez’s dismissal. Carrick said he had not yet watched the incident again, but noted that conceding a second goal and losing a player at that point had a major influence on the result.
Criticism over Martinez’s form
Former England and Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock said United were still in a reasonable position at 1-0 down, but argued Martinez had been making repeated mistakes. He also said an apology from the player might have eased frustration among teammates.
Danny Murphy described the dismissal as unacceptable and said Martinez had significant responsibility for the opening goal. Murphy said he would not select him again, adding that the defender appeared to be struggling and had also had injury problems.
United’s struggles continue
United were more competitive in the first half than in their recent three-goal defeats to Como and Bournemouth, but did not finish their chances. Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders made two strong saves, and Bryan Mbeumo later struck a powerful effort that did not go in.
United avoided a third straight three-goal defeat after VAR ruled out an Estevao goal for offside. Even so, the loss left them without a win in nine matches across all competitions, their longest such run since 1988-89. Carrick said the team’s first-half performance and football offered encouragement.
Key points
- Martinez was sent off after a VAR review during United’s 2-0 loss at Chelsea.
- Carrick said the second goal and the dismissal had a major influence on the match.
- United have gone nine games without a win in all competitions, their worst run since 1988-89.