Manchester United saw their winless streak extend to nine matches following a 2-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on the road on Saturday.
The Red Devils had an impressive opening half against the Blues, and they should have taken the lead with the big chances they created.
The poor finishing cost them. In the second half, the Blues were the better side.
A brilliant Morgan Rogers goal broke the deadlock for the hosts. Lisandro Martinez gifted them the second goal with a needless penalty after the hour mark.
The Argentine was already on a yellow card for a foul on Rogers. He was handed his marching orders soon after for a raised elbow on Wesley Fofana in the box.
As a result, Martinez made his fifth error leading to a league goal this campaign, and we believe he should be dropped to the bench against Roma midweek.
The World Cup winner had a productive first half against the Blues with his distribution, but he lost the plot in the second half, picking up two yellow cards in a four-minute span.
Meanwhile, Martinez won just two out of nine duels contested and lost possession five times. He let down the team badly and received a 2/10 rating from Manchester Evening News.
The 28-year-old is now suspended for United’s next league game against Aston Villa at Old Trafford, but the club have a home Champions League match against Roma prior to that.
The Giallorossi visit Old Trafford on Tuesday night, and it makes complete sense to drop Martinez.
In our view, manager Michael Carrick needs a settled central defensive partnership for the next two games. It makes no sense to chop and change the starting centre-backs after Martinez’s league ban.
Matthijs de Ligt has been building up his fitness after a long-term injury lay-off. We feel the Dutchman should accompany Harry Maguire in the heart of the defence against Roma and Villa.
De Ligt may not play the entire 90 minutes in both matches. Martinez could still be used in a cameo appearance on Tuesday before Ayden Heaven assumes a similar role against the Villans.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com