Carrick refuses to say Martinez let him down after red card sinks United at Chelsea

Michael Carrick refused to say he had been let down by Lisandro Martinez after the defender’s red card unravelled Manchester United’s performance in a 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Martinez was booked twice in two minutes in the second half and conceded a penalty for his challenge on Wesley Fofana in the box. The Argentine had already been cautioned for pulling down Morgan Rogers before making contact with Fofana’s throat with his forearm while defending a corner — a moment former Chelsea forward Joe Cole described as “unfathomable” in commentary.

Cole Palmer converted the resulting spot-kick to double Chelsea’s lead after Rogers had opened the scoring with an excellent finish. Carrick was seen ignoring Martinez as the defender walked down the tunnel, but when asked directly whether he felt let down, the United manager replied simply: “No.”

“It has a major importance on the game,” Carrick told Match of the Day. “A huge moment. I think that is pretty obvious really.”

Cole was less diplomatic in his assessment. “He has let [Carrick] down,” the pundit said. “He’s made a huge error. I don’t know the lad, but he’s let his team-mates down 100 per cent. It’s a crucial moment.”

The defeat compounds a difficult period for Martinez, who caused controversy earlier this month with an explosive interview criticising the United hierarchy following the Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid, before later apologising for his comments.

Carrick had made a point of restoring captain Bruno Fernandes to the starting line-up after criticism of his tactics in that Champions League loss at Como. The change produced an improved first-half display, with Fernandes and Amad Diallo both squandering chances to give United the lead before Martinez’s dismissal changed the complexion of the match.

With Martinez out of contract next summer, Cole suggested a January departure could suit all parties. “I think they might cut their losses,” he said. “He’s clearly a great player but if your head is not at the club then you’ve got to find a solution.”