Manchester United manager Michael Carrick faces growing calls to drop Lisandro Martinez after the defender's sending off in Saturday's defeat at Chelsea. Pundits, including United legend Peter Schmeichel, have urged Carrick never to play the 28-year-old again following what was described as a 'disgraceful' challenge.
Red Card and Penalty Prove Costly
Martinez was shown a second yellow card for striking Wesley Fofana in the face shortly after United had fallen 1-0 behind at Stamford Bridge. The foul also conceded a penalty, which Cole Palmer converted, leaving 10-man United with a slim chance of securing their first win in nine games and increasing pressure on Carrick's position.
The Argentina international had only just been booked for giving away the free-kick that led to the penalty incident. Leading with his arm, Martinez jumped into Fofana with no chance of winning the ball, and the collision was spotted by VAR. Referee Peter Bankes sent Martinez off, and the defender trudged off without acknowledgement from Carrick.
Pundits Question Martinez's Commitment
Schmeichel was furious, telling Premier League Productions: "I put this solely on Lisandro Martinez's shoulders. This is an absolute disgrace how he played this game." He added: "Two weeks ago he came out and made some very, very strong statements against his teammates, against the football club, and it felt like he was trying to orchestrate a move. He's in the last year of his contract."
Martinez has eight months left on his contract, and some believe he is angling for an exit following a string of poor performances and his outburst against the board last month, which resulted in a fine. The former Ajax star criticised United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, and accused the board of not doing enough in the summer transfer window to strengthen Carrick's squad.
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, said he would not recall Martinez after his one-game ban. "No, I wouldn't, only because he looks like he has already gone," Murphy said. "You have to put the club first. Michael has got to make some big decisions. You can't have a liability in your team. His head isn't right. He is not going to be there long term, that is evident."
Carrick's Response and Upcoming Fixtures
Carrick, however, does not feel let down by Martinez. "I've not seen it back, so I don't know if it was or not," the Red Devils boss said post-match. "It's a big moment in the game. The second goal and losing a man at that stage had a big influence on it, for sure."
Martinez is set to be available when United host Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday, although he will be banned for next weekend's game away to Aston Villa. His return from suspension will coincide with United's visit to Anfield on November 22.
