Manchester United lost 2-1 to Leeds United, with Lisandro Martinez receiving a red card for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair. Despite a goal from Casemiro, United could not equalize and suffered a disappointing defeat.
Lisandro Martinez: Calvert-Lewin breaks silence on United aceās red card
Manchester United suffered a demoralising 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Leeds United on Monday, 13 April, in the Premier League. The Red Devils were slow off the blocks and went behind in the fifth minute when Noah Okafor found the back of the net.
The Swiss international doubled the lead in the 29th minute, and the visitors went into the break with a two-goal cushion. The situation worsened further for the home side when Lisandro Martinez was shown a straight red card for violent conduct after allegedly pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewinās hair.
United, though, did get back into the game through Casemiro in the 69th minute, but it proved to be a mere consolation. The Brazilian went close to scoring the equaliser when his header was cleared off the line by Calvert-Lewin, and Leeds held on to secure all three points.
The defeat dampened the spirit around Old Trafford, although the Red Devils remain third in the league table with six games left in the season. Michael Carrickās team failed to turn up against their bitter rivals, but it was Martinezās red card which became the talking point of the game.
The incident was missed by referee Paul Tierney but was picked up by VAR. Tierney was subsequently advised to review the incident, and after watching it at the pitch-side monitor, the referee decided to brandish a straight red card at Martinez.
The replays suggested that the Argentine had pulled Calvert-Lewinās hair, prompting him to fall to the ground. Martinez had only returned from a brief absence due to injury and was bewildered by the decision.
Source: Transfermarkt.
The decision also drew criticism from Carrick at the end of the game, which turned out to be the caretaker managerās first home defeat since taking charge in January. Calvert-Lewin has since expressed his opinion on his altercation with Martinez.
Speaking after the game, as cited by GOAL, Calvert-Lewin insisted that he holds no grudge against Martinez for pulling his hair. He said: āI donāt know, I donāt make the rules. I felt my hair get pulled, told the ref, he makes the decisions. Unfortunate for him, whether heās meant it or not. I hold no grudges.ā
The Englishman had five shots on target but failed to get on the scoresheet. However, his second-half goal-line clearance turned out to be crucial for the visitors, helping preserve their lead and ultimately securing all three points.
Calvert-Lewin went on to suggest that his clearance made up for his failure to score, adding: āI was just in the moment, switched on, engaged and waiting. Doing my job. Thankfully I was there to clear the ball off the line and arguably it make up for the ones that I shouldāve put away at the other end.ā
United next face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 18 April, in the Premier League, and Martinezās absence could add to their woes. The Argentine is expected to be suspended for three games.
United were without Harry Maguire against Leeds United, with the player serving a suspension, and the defence looked vulnerable in his absence. INEOSā decision to tie the Englishman down to a new deal certainly looks justified now, and fans will be desperate to have him back against the Blues.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Lisandro Martinez received a red card for violent conduct after allegedly pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair.
The final score was Manchester United 1, Leeds United 2.
Casemiro scored Manchester United's only goal in the 69th minute, providing a brief hope for an equalizer.
The red card for Lisandro Martinez significantly hindered Manchester United's chances, as they were already trailing 2-0 at the time.
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