From hero to zero! Lisandro Martinez saves Man United with heroic goal-saving tackle before being sent off for violent HAIR pull as Roy Keane hits out at Michael Carrick’s side’s ‘sloppy’ display against Leeds
Lisandro Martinez went from hero to zero from Manchester United as a moment of defensive genius was followed by a bizarre hair pull to end his evening early at Old Trafford.
A brace inside the first 30 minutes from Noah Okafor gave Leeds a crucial two-goal advantage with Daniel Farke‘s side hugely deserving of their lead at the break.
The visitors hit United with constant waves of attack and ought to have been three goals to the good when Ao Tanaka picked up the ball in United’s defensive box, with only keeper Senne Lammens to beat.
The Japanese midfielder shimmied to his left, sitting the Belgian stopper down and leaving just an empty goal in front of him.
But as he looked to direct the ball into the net, Argentine defender slid in to provide a crucial block and keep the scoreline at 2-0.
Lisandro Martinez went from hero to zero, with the Man United star sent off at Old Trafford
Martinez spared United from first-half humiliation with a vital block against Leeds
That moment provided a rare opportunity to applaud for a frustrated home fanbase who have expected more from Carrick’s side, with the Red Devils searching for a return to Champions League football next season.
United were booed off at the half time whistle and former captain Roy Keane insisted his old team should be happy to only be two behind at the break.
‘Man Utd will be delighted it’s only two,’ he told Monday Night Football. ‘It goes to show that Man United have turned up thinking they will automatically win the game by just turning up.
‘United aren’t running, the two midfielders are not at the races.’
On Martinez’s goal-saving challenge, Keane added: ‘Oh my goodness. You think it’s bad enough at two. United messing around at the back again, lack of concentration, credit to Martinez if that goes in it’s game over.
‘It sums up United, poor decision making, sloppy, I can’t believe how bad Man United have been.’
But his night was ended early after he pulled Calvert-Lewin’s hair during the second half
Roy Keane hit out at his former side’s ‘sloppy’ display at Old Trafford on Monday night
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said United had been ‘battered’ in the first half.
‘Man United have been absolutely battered. [They] are fortunate it’s not 3-0. They [Leeds] have passed Man United off the park.’
But Martinez’s moment of acclaim was clouded early in the second half when referee Paul Tierney was asked by VAR to review an incident between the Argentine and Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Replays showed Martinez pulling the England striker’s hair as the pair competed for the ball, leaving the official with no choice but to give the defender his marching orders.
Lisandro Martinez faces a three-match ban following his red card for violent conduct during Manchester United’s clash with Leeds United. The Argentine centre-back was found to have pulled Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair after contesting an aerial ball. Responding to the incident at the time, Sky Sports co-commentator Gary Neville said: “You are not getting away with a hair‐pull. Martinez is looking perplexed and confused, but a hair‐pull results in a red card these days. He knew what he was doing.”
After the flashpoint initially went unpenalised, referee Paul Tierney was directed to consult the pitch-side VAR monitor for a closer examination. The Premier League Match Centre confirmed: “After VAR review, the referee issued a red card to Martinez for violent conduct.” In his announcement to the crowd, referee Tierney said: “After review, Manchester United 6 is guilty of pulling his hair – violent conduct. Final decision is red card.”
The offence was classified as violent conduct, meaning the Argentine will be absent for United’s upcoming three fixtures against Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool.
This was not the first occasion a Premier League player has received his marching orders for hair-pulling. Everton’s Michael Keane was dismissed during the 1-1 draw with Wolves back in January. Those three fixtures are pivotal in the Reds’ pursuit of Champions League qualification, with a number of rivals snapping at their heels.
A loss for United leaves them level on 55 points with fourth‐placed Aston Villa, while fifth‐placed Liverpool sit on 52 following their victory over Fulham. United face Liverpool at Old Trafford next month but next up take on Chelsea.
Once their three-game run concludes, Martinez will be available once more for the clashes against Sunderland and Nottingham Forest, ahead of the final‐day encounter at Brighton.
