Lisandro Martinez slammed for 'letting down' Manchester United with 'absolutely crazy' red card in defeat at Chelsea

Lisandro Martinez "let down" manager Michael Carrick and his Manchester United team-mates after an "unacceptable" foul in the box that led to his sending off and a Chelsea penalty in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League defeat, according to TNT Sports' Ally McCoist.

'It's crazy!' - Martinez sees red to deepen Man Utd woes

Video credit: TNT Sports

Man Utd shaded an open first half at Stamford Bridge but fell a goal behind after Morgan Rogers' superb solo effort in the 50th minute.

The visitors' hopes of a comeback were all but ended when Martinez inexplicably raised his arms towards Wesley Fofana's face while attempting to defend a Chelsea corner.

A VAR review resulted in a penalty for the hosts and a second yellow card for Martinez, who had been booked moments earlier for a foul on Rogers.

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TNT Sports co-commentator McCoist was less than impressed by the Argentine's decision-making.

"I've got that down as ridiculous defending," he said. "You're not even wrong side, you're not any side. You're just marching right across and jumping into him. That's a penalty.

"It's unacceptable. That is absolutely crazy. He's let everybody down."

TNT Sports commentator Darren Fletcher added: "If you're Michael Carrick you cannot legislate for that.

"This is a player that two weeks ago came out and had a pop [at the club's higher-ups]. He gets back in the starting line-up today and he does something like that, and he's one of the most experienced players in the group.

"What is he thinking? He's let his manager down. They're in the game at 1-0."

Martinez had made clear his frustration with United's summer transfer business after defeat to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League in mid-October, after which he received a fine and publicly apologised.

United are now winless in nine matches in all competitions and the result increases the pressure on head coach Carrick.

"You know the player's mindset," said TNT Sports expert Joe Cole. "He's been embarrassed on the far side by Rogers.

"We know how he sees the club and the situation. It's just rash. He's already an emotional defender. This is just unfathomable. He loses his rag.

"I was looking down at Carrick and saw his shoulders slump. It's a massive mistake."

Martinez was faced with a long walk to the tunnel after his dismissal, and there was no look exchanged between player and head coach.

"I bet he can't look at him, and nor should he," McCoist said.

"I'm lost for words," Cole added. "There must have been clear-the-air conversations. You're an example to these young players in the team and you go and do something like that in a moment like this."

Cole Palmer scored the penalty and Chelsea went on to ease to victory, even though they were denied a third goal when Estevao was ruled offside by the finest of margins.

United were left to reflect on another difficult afternoon as they slumped to a fourth defeat in five games in all competitions.

Asked about Martinez's red card in his post-match interview on TNT Sports, Carrick refused to comment, claiming he had not seen the incident.

He also said he expects to be in charge for Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Roma at Old Trafford, after which Man Utd host Aston Villa in their final Premier League game before the November international break.

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