By Basant El-Faramawy
Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez was sent off in a 2-0 Premier League defeat at Chelsea after committing two fouls in the space of 83 seconds, leaving his side with 10 men and effectively ending any hope of a comeback.
Costly dismissal
Martinez, already on a yellow card, raised his elbow into the face of Wesley Fofana while challenging for a corner in the 63rd minute. The incident was missed by referee Peter Bankes but reviewed by VAR official James Bell, who advised a red card for violent conduct. World Cup final referee Darren Cann described the action as "inexplicable" and said Martinez was rightly dismissed.
Carrick and pundits react
United head coach Michael Carrick did not look at Martinez as he left the pitch, later calling it a "big moment in the game" that influenced the result. Former England defender Stephen Warnock said the red card ended United's chances, while Joe Cole stated Martinez is "at the scene of the crime too often" and his time at the club may have run its course.
Deepening crisis
The loss extends United's winless run to nine matches in all competitions, their worst since 1988-89, and leaves them teetering above the relegation zone. They face Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday needing a win to keep Champions League qualification hopes alive. Carrick insisted the first-half performance gave encouragement but acknowledged the team must start winning matches.
