Arabic version: طرد مارتينيز يعمّق أزمة مانشستر يونايتد

According to BBC News, Lisandro Martinez was sent off in Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat at Chelsea after two fouls in one minute and 23 seconds left Michael Carrick’s side two goals down and playing with 10 men. The defender, already booked, raised his elbow and caught Wesley Fofana in the face as Chelsea took a corner. VAR official James Bell advised referee Peter Bankes to review the incident.

Former World Cup final official Darren Cann told BBC Sport that Martinez was “rightly sent off for two bookable offences”, adding that the Argentina international made no attempt to play the ball. Carrick said he had not reviewed the incident and described the second goal and the loss of a player as major influences on the match. Martinez will miss next Sunday’s Premier League game against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

United had produced a stronger first-half display than in recent three-goal defeats to Como and Bournemouth, but failed to take four good opportunities. Bruno Fernandes and Amad fired off target, while Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders made two saves. Morgan Rogers gave Chelsea a second-half lead before Martinez’s dismissal, and Chelsea went on to win comfortably.

The result extended United’s winless run in all competitions to nine matches, their worst sequence since 1988-89. The club are close to the relegation zone and host Roma on Tuesday, needing a victory to keep their Champions League qualification hopes realistic. Carrick said the first-half performance offered encouragement, but added that his team must now win matches.