Martinez's 'inexplicable' 83 seconds cost Man Utd and Carrick

What the report says

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was at the centre of a damaging spell in a 2-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, according to BBC Sport Football. The report said the Argentina international, already booked, was dismissed after two fouls in the space of 83 seconds, leaving Michael Carrick’s side a man down and trailing after Chelsea’s second goal. The red card came late in the second half and followed a VAR review after referee Peter Bankes was sent to the pitchside monitor.

BBC Sport Football described Martinez’s dismissal as a major turning point in a match United had otherwise contested well for long periods. Carrick’s team had opportunities in the first half and were still in the game after Chelsea went ahead, but the sending-off made a comeback far more difficult. Former officials and pundits quoted by the broadcaster criticised the defender’s actions as reckless and unnecessary.

The result extended Manchester United’s winless run in all competitions to nine matches, their worst such sequence since the 1988-89 season, and left them close to the relegation zone. Martinez is now suspended for United’s next Premier League fixture against Aston Villa. BBC Sport Football also noted that United must quickly recover ahead of a midweek match against Roma, with pressure continuing on Carrick and his squad.