Roy Keane has criticised Michael Carrick for using Lisandro Martinez’s red card as a distraction from Manchester United’s poor performance in their 2-1 defeat to Leeds United. The former United captain claimed the sending off diverted attention from the team’s lacklustre first-half display, which left them 2-0 down before Martinez’s dismissal.
Martinez was shown a red card by referee Paul Tierney after a VAR review for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair. Carrick, in his post-match interview, described the decision as “one of the worst” he has seen this season, comparing it to Harry Maguire’s recent red card against Bournemouth. However, Keane argued that the focus should be on the overall performance, not the officiating.
Speaking on The Overlap, Keane said: “I can see why he gave it, but this idea of violent conduct is harsh. But they did it to Michael Keane at Everton a couple of months ago, same type of scenario. I think when they call it violent conduct that sounds a bit bizarre. I am amazed after the game, everyone is angry at the sending off. You should be angry with the performance. It’s like a distraction. You were 2-0 down at the time.”
The defeat leaves United’s third-place position vulnerable, with Aston Villa now level on points. Martinez’s suspension means he will miss Saturday’s crucial trip to Chelsea, joining Maguire on the sidelines. Carrick remained defiant, stating: “That decision was one of the worst I’ve ever seen. He [Calvert-Lewin] can throw his arms in Licha’s face, and then he’s sent off. Shocking. We have to be careful where the game is going.”
