Man United could be hit with second suspension blow after Lisandro Martinez red card
Manchester United could be hit with a second suspension after Lisandro Martinez's red card vs Leeds United.
The Argentine defender was sent off in the 56th minute of the 2-1 defeat to Leeds, after VAR spotted a moment during a tussle with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Replays showed Martinez pulling Calvert-Lewin's hair as he challenged for the ball.
The striker alerted referee Paul Tierney, who ended up going to the monitor and sending Martinez off for violent conduct in line with the rules of the game.
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Martinez is now set for a three-game ban which will see him miss upcoming games against Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool.
But United could yet be without another key player for their next fixture on 18 April.
In United's last game before the Leeds loss 24 days ago, the Red Devils drew 2-2 away at Bournemouth and saw Harry Maguire sent off for a foul on Evanilson, which resulted in a penalty for the hosts.
It was seen as a denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity, an offence which carries a one-game ban.
However, Maguire was also charged by the FA for "improper conduct", having been accused of using abusive or insulting language to the fourth official.
He could therefore also have his ban extended and miss the trip to Chelsea.
Should an additional suspension be imposed, it would give Michael Carrick a serious headache at centre-back. Given Matthijs de Ligt is still out with a back injury, a young pairing of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven could potentially lining up at Stamford Bridge.
A statement from the FA said: "Harry Maguire has been charged after being sent off in the 78th minute of Man Utd's Premier League match against Bournemouth on March 20.
"It's alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the fourth official following his dismissal. Harry Maguire has until April 2 to provide a response."
On the Martinez red card against Leeds, Carrick called the decision "shocking" and "one of the worst I have ever seen".
United remain third in the table but missed out on an opportunity to extend their lead on the Champions League places.
Topics: Lisandro Martinez
Josh Lawless