The post-match atmosphere at Old Trafford yesterday was one of pure vitriol, and it wasn’t just directed at the scoreboard. While Leeds United celebrated their first league win at the “Theatre of Dreams” since 1981, Michael Carrick left nobody in doubt about his feelings regarding the officiating that defined the 2-1 defeat.
“One of the Worst Decisions Ever”
The flashpoint of the evening came in the 56th minute when Lisandro Martinez was shown a straight red card. After a VAR review, referee Paul Tierney judged that Martinez had pulled the ponytail of Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Carrick was visibly “fuming” in his post-match interviews, labeling the dismissal “absolutely shocking” and “one of the worst” decisions he has witnessed in the game.
“He almost just goes to touch him and grab his shirt,” Carrick argued. “He ends up catching his hair… there is no jolt, no tug, no sudden movement. We’ve got to be careful where the game is going.”
Double Standards?
Carrick’s anger wasn’t limited to the red card. He pointed to a “forearm smash” on Leny Yoro by Calvert-Lewin in the buildup to Leeds’ opening goal, scored by Noah Okafor in the fifth minute.
According to the United boss, the failure of VAR to overturn that goal, combined with the “soft” red card for Martinez, fundamentally altered the course of a game where United were already struggling. Despite a late header from Casemiro to make it 2-1, the 10-man Red Devils couldn’t find an equalizer.The Race for the Full-Time Job
This loss comes at a delicate time for Carrick. Reports had suggested he was “close” to securing the permanent manager’s job, having thrived since taking over in January. While United remains third in the table, this historic home loss to a bitter rival—and the impending three-match ban for “The Butcher”—has put a significant dent in an otherwise stellar interim run.
The club is now expected to move forward with a formal appeal to the FA, hoping to have Martinez available for the massive trip to Stamford Bridge this Saturday.
