Michael Carrick has confirmed Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez will be suspended for the visit to Chelsea. Martinez was sent off in the second half against Leeds for tugging Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair during an aerial challenge. VAR examined the incident and referee Paul Tierney produced a straight red card for violent conduct. The defender now faces the prospect of a three-match ban, meaning he will be absent for fixtures against Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool.
Carrick branded the dismissal as "one of the worst" refereeing decisions he had witnessed. He was incensed during his post-Leeds press conference and confirmed United would consider lodging an appeal. Speaking at Carrington on Friday, Carrick said of Martinez's sending off: "We didn't agree with it, it's obvious how I felt after the game, and I still feel that way now. I don't want to go into it now, it is what it is. We have to accept it and move on."
When quizzed on whether Martinez would be available to face Chelsea, Carrick responded simply: "No." Carrick declined to reveal whether an appeal had been submitted to the FA, though his answer suggested any potential appeal had proved unsuccessful.
United will also be without Harry Maguire tomorrow, after the centre-back was handed an additional one-match ban following an FA charge relating to alleged misconduct towards a fourth official.
Reflecting on Maguire's situation, Carrick commented: "To be honest, there's not much to react to. I'm disappointed, of course. We've had a few reasons to be disappointed over the last few weeks. We have to move on because the decision has been made."
The FA issued an official statement which declared: "An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a one-match suspension and £30,000 fine on Manchester United FC's Harry Maguire.
"The defender was charged after being sent off in the 78th minute of their Premier League match against AFC Bournemouth on Friday 20 March.
"It was alleged that Harry Maguire acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the fourth official following his dismissal.
"The defender subsequently admitted the charge. The Regulatory Commission imposed his sanctions following a hearing."