Manchester United Manager Michael Carrick Slams VAR Decision After Lisandro Martinez Red Card as Leeds United Stun Old Trafford With 2–1 Victory in Premier League Clash

Manchester United suffered a shock 2–1 home defeat to rivals Leeds United at Old Trafford, with assistant coach Michael Carrick blasting a controversial red card that left his side playing with 10 men.

The result marked Leeds’ first league win at Old Trafford since 1981 and dealt a significant blow to United’s momentum in the season.

Martinez Red Card Sparks Controversy

The turning point came in the second half when Lisandro Martinez was sent off after VAR recommended a pitchside review for an incident involving alleged hair pulling on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Referee Paul Tierney upgraded the decision to a straight red card, ruling that Martinez had committed a dismissible offence, leaving United furious on the touchline.

Carrick and United Furious Over VAR Intervention

Carrick condemned the decision, insisting the contact was minimal and not violent enough to warrant dismissal. He argued that the review was wrongly escalated as a “clear and obvious error.”

United officials also pointed to other incidents in the match, including a challenge on Leny Yoro in the buildup to Leeds’ opening goal, as further evidence of inconsistent officiating.

The club is reportedly considering another formal complaint following earlier disputes with refereeing decisions in previous fixtures.

Leeds Capitalise on United’s Disruption

Leeds took full advantage of the red card and United’s disorganisation, with Noah Okafor scoring twice to secure a famous away win.

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Despite a late response from United through Casemiro, the visitors held firm under pressure to seal all three points.

Keane Backs Decision but Criticises United Performance

Former United captain Roy Keane acknowledged that the sending-off appeared harsh but urged the club to accept the decision and focus on their poor overall performance.

He argued that United’s defeat was more about their slow start than the controversial red card.

Calvert-Lewin Responds to Incident

Calvert-Lewin defended his reaction to the incident, stating he felt his hair had been pulled and left the decision to the referee. He insisted there was no personal ill intent behind the situation.

Leeds Celebrate Historic Victory

Leeds manager Daniel Farke praised his team’s performance, noting they should have extended their lead earlier in the match before United’s late pressure.

He described the win as a major milestone, especially given Leeds’ long absence of league victories at Old Trafford.

Impact and Consequences

The defeat raises further questions about Manchester United’s consistency and discipline, while intensifying debate over VAR’s role in high-profile matches.

The suspension of Martinez is expected to affect United’s defensive setup in upcoming fixtures.

What’s Next?

Manchester United are expected to review the incident internally and may pursue further clarification from match officials.

Attention now turns to how the team responds in their next league matches following the setback.

Summary

Manchester United lost 2–1 to Leeds at Old Trafford after Lisandro Martinez was sent off in a controversial VAR decision.

Michael Carrick strongly criticised the call, while Leeds capitalised on the advantage to secure a historic victory.

Key Takeaways

• Manchester United lost 2–1 to Leeds United at Old Trafford
• Lisandro Martinez was sent off after a VAR review
• Michael Carrick criticised the decision as “shocking”
• Noah Okafor scored twice for Leeds
• Roy Keane said United must “suck it up”
• Leeds secured their first league win at Old Trafford since 1981