Manchester United’s winless run stretched to nine matches as Chelsea beat them 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, but Lisandro Martinez’s second-half red card stole the headlines.
Morgan Rogers opened the scoring and Cole Palmer converted a penalty to double Chelsea’s lead, but the major talking point was Martinez’s dismissal and the moment he walked straight past his manager.
Lisandro Martinez sent off at Stamford Bridge
United had the better of the opening 45, with both sides having a goal ruled out for offside, and the visitors managing an expected goals figure of 1.09 to Chelsea’s 0.28.
However, the game turned after the break. Rogers powered towards goal and chipped over Senne Lammens for his fifth league goal of the season.
It was Martinez’s headloss which killed the game. A yellow card for a foul on Rogers was quickly followed by a rash challenge in the air on Wesley Fofana, earning the Argentine a second booking, and Palmer converted the resulting penalty. That penalty took Palmer’s tally to five goals in eight career appearances against United.
As Martinez made his way off the pitch, it was rather interesting to note that neither he nor Carrick acknowledged each other, with the defender walking past the United bench without a glance at his manager. Meanwhile, the English coach kept his head turned away as he focused on tactics instead.
Michael Carrick addresses Martinez red card
REUTERS/Chris Radburn
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Carrick was asked about Martinez’s dismissal, but admitted he had yet to see the incident.
“I’ve not looked at it to be honest, so I’ve not seen it,” the United boss said.
Pressed on whether he felt let down by the defender, Carrick kept his answer short:
The response – which was quite different to his on-pitch reaction – is likely to do little to quiet questions over Martinez’s actions, with the dismissal effectively ending United’s hopes of a comeback.
Martinez will now serve a domestic suspension of one match and miss the game at Old Trafford with Aston Villa next weekend.
Man Utd’s struggles continue
The defeat piles further pressure on Carrick, with United already having made their worst start to a league season since 1986.
United are still searching for their first away win of the season, after failing at the seventh attempt.
The Red Devils were boosted by the return of Bruno Fernandes, who had been dropped for the Bournemouth defeat, but they were unable to arrest their slide.
For United, the games don’t let up, as they welcome an in-form Roma side in the Champions League. After losing two of their first three games in the competition, including last time out to Atlético Madrid, Carrick will need a strong response.
After that, it’s Aston Villa at Old Trafford before the November international break. Carrick’s job is said to be safe for the time being, but results need to turn around soon to alleviate the growing pressure.
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