Manchester United boss Michael Carrick no hold back as him blast officiating after his team suffer painful home loss to Leeds United at Old Trafford. The gaffer describe one VAR decision as “shocking,” after Lisandro Martinez see red — a moment wey scatter United’s top-four ambitions.
Old Trafford no be fortress again
Leeds come Old Trafford come do what dem never do since 1981 — carry three points go house. Na Noah Okafor run show early, scoring two quick goals as United sleep through first half.
Even though Casemiro try reduce the damage after Martinez red card, United no fit find equaliser. Their long unbeaten home run against Leeds don finally end — and e pain well well.
Carrick no happy at all
After match, Carrick vex focus on two major incidents. First na the forearm hit on Leny Yoro wey referee ignore before Leeds score their first goal.
But the main gbas gbos na Martinez red card after VAR check. Carrick talk say:
“We no start well, but that first goal get issue — dem hit Yoro for back of head and nothing happen. Big moment wey change the game.”
He continue:
“Second half we respond well, but another shocking decision spoil everything. Two games now, na bad calls against us. That one? One of the worst I don see.”
Martinez red card — real or robbery?
The Martinez dismissal na the real talking point. The defender, wey just return from injury, get sent off for wetin look like small hair pull on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Carrick argue say the contact no get aggression at all:
“You fit elbow player, nothing. But small touch for hair, dem send am off? No be pull, no be tug. Na just contact. Even VAR still overturn am — shocking.”
Top-four race don tight
With this loss, United go now face Chelsea for Stamford Bridge without Martinez. Dem still dey third with 55 points, but pressure dey mount as season dey enter final stretch.
With Champions League spot on the line (and possibly five slots this season), Carrick go need quick fix for defence if United wan hold their position.
Naija Whisper Take:
Football no just be about goals again — VAR don turn referee matter to full-blown drama. Question be say: na consistency we dey see, or na confusion? 👀