Former Arsenal winger Freddie Ljungberg has criticised Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez after his sending off in the defeat to Chelsea, saying the incident made him 'feel sick'. Martinez was shown a red card in the second half for striking Wesley Fofana in the face inside the penalty area while challenging him without looking at the ball.
The incident occurred as a Chelsea corner was delivered towards the back post. With his back to the incoming ball, Martinez collided with Fofana. The referee initially missed the incident, but VAR intervened, leading to a penalty and Martinez's dismissal.
Two yellow cards in 82 seconds
Just one minute and 22 seconds separated Martinez's two yellow cards. His dismissal all but ended United's hopes of a comeback at Stamford Bridge, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat.
United manager Michael Carrick did not acknowledge Martinez as he trudged towards the tunnel, hinting at his frustration with the Argentine.
Ljungberg and Schmeichel react
Ljungberg told Viaplay: "I feel, when I look at that, I feel sorry for Michael Carrick. Everybody is slaughtering Carrick in the media and stuff, 'Is he good enough as a coach, this and that', the players are not doing it."
"How they behave, Martinez doing what he did, I was there and I felt a bit sick. I've seen this quite a few times when he does stupid things, doesn't think about the team first. They let him down."
Former United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, appearing alongside Ljungberg, agreed, adding: "He [Martinez] has cost so many goals and that is one of the issues with Manchester United, that they're leaking goals for fun."
"If you're a big player, you played in a World Cup final, you just can't perform like that, come out with statements like that [after the Atletico Madrid match], and then perform like he did against Chelsea. Sorry, for me that's not good enough."
Contract talks reportedly planned
Meanwhile, United are reportedly preparing to hold talks with Martinez over his future. The defender has entered the final year of his contract at Old Trafford, although the club have the option to extend his deal until 2028.
According to Fabrizio Romano, United plan to hold direct discussions with Martinez in the coming days and weeks before deciding their next move. Club officials want to assess their options, including activating the one-year extension or allowing him to leave when his current deal expires at the end of the season.
Martinez will be available for Tuesday night's Champions League clash with AS Roma at Old Trafford, which kicks off at 8pm, as his domestic suspension does not apply to European fixtures. Whether Carrick chooses to start him remains to be seen.
