Man Utd's Carrick Slams Red Card Decision
Last update: April 14, 2026
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Carrick criticises referee over Lisandro Martínez’s red card in Manchester United’s 2-1 loss to Leeds...
Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has criticised referee Paul Tierney following Lisandro Martínez’s red card in Monday’s 2-1 defeat to Leeds United at Old Trafford.
CBI News reports that United were already 2-0 down after a first-half brace from Noah Okafor when Martínez was sent off in the 56th minute for pulling the hair of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, following a VAR review by Tierney.
Reacting after the match, Carrick expressed frustration with the decision, describing it as unjust.
“I thought the boys, the way they went about it, they stayed positive and fought to get something out of it after another shocking decision to send off Lisandro,” he said.
“Two games in a row we’ve had decisions like that go against us but this one was one of the worst I’ve seen.”
Carrick argued that Calvert-Lewin’s earlier contact contributed to the incident, suggesting the dismissal was harsh.
“You can throw your arm in Martinez’s face and then as he’s off balance because of that, he’s half grappling, he half touches the back of his hair which pulls the bobble to come out,” he said.
“I don’t even know what it looks like. It’s not a pull, it’s not a tug, it’s not aggressive. He touches it and he gets sent off.
“Worst of all, he gets sent to overturn it, a clear and obvious error. Shocking.”
The United boss also took issue with the build-up to Leeds’ opening goal, claiming a foul was ignored.
“We obviously conceded when Leny Yoro gets a forearm smash in the back of the head and they score the first goal. They didn’t decide to overturn that decision. That was a big moment in the game,” he added.
Okafor opened the scoring early following defensive hesitation before doubling the lead in the 29th minute with a deflected effort, as United struggled in the absence of suspended defender Harry Maguire.
Despite being reduced to ten men, United responded in the 69th minute when Casemiro headed home a cross from Bruno Fernandes, marking Fernandes’ 17th league assist of the season.
Leeds held firm under late pressure to secure their first league win at Old Trafford in 45 years and their first top-flight victory in the fixture since 2002.
The result moves Daniel Farke’s side six points clear of the relegation zone with six matches remaining.
Martínez could now face a three-match suspension, with Carrick confirming the club will consider lodging an appeal.
