Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg has slammed Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez following his unnecessary red card against Chelsea last weekend.
Since moving to Old Trafford from Ajax Amsterdam, the 28-year-old, valued at around £37m by Transfermarkt, has established himself as an undisputed starter, although he has had a few fitness problems over the years.
The Argentinian has even helped the 20-time English champions win a couple of domestic cup competitions. However, with his existing deal set to run until next summer, speculation surrounding his future has started emerging in recent times.
Following Man Utd’s disappointing defeat against Atlético Madrid last month, he criticised the club’s hierarchy, and recently, he picked up an unnecessary red card against Chelsea last weekend, where United lost the game 2-0.
On Viaplay after the Chelsea game, Ljungberg says (via Metro) that Michael Carrick has faced a lot of criticism following last weekend’s defeat, but he wasn’t at fault for this result. The players haven’t been showing their best, while what Martinez did made the pundit feel ‘a bit sick’.
Ljungberg said:
“I feel, when I look at that, I feel sorry for Michael Carrick. Everybody is slaughtering Carrick in the media and stuff, “Is he good enough as a coach, this and that”, the players are not doing it.
“How they behave, Martinez doing what he did, I was there and I felt a bit sick. I’ve seen this quite a few times when he does stupid things, doesn’t think about the team first. They let him down.”
Man Utd’s Martinez slammed
Despite ending the season on a high note last season, Man Utd have endured a dire start this term under Carrick. They are currently languishing 17th in the Premier League table with seven points from nine games, sitting just outside of the relegation zone on goal difference.
On the other hand, United have accumulated just three points from as many games in the Champions League and are currently 20th in the table. Carrick’s side have even been knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
United have won only two out of 13 games across all competitions this season, losing seven. Still, the Red Devils’ hierarchy are keeping faith in Carrick.
Amid this situation, Man Utd are set to face AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday night before taking on Aston Villa in the Premier League next weekend.
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