Manchester United fans have suggested the reasoning behind Sevilla players’ decision to carry Lisandro Martinez off the pitch after his injury.
On Thursday night, United were in Europa League action as they hoped to secure a first-leg win over Sevilla.
Having been 2-0 up after 21 minutes, the match turned into a nightmare for United inside the last 10 minutes.
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Tyrell Malacia scored an own goal in the 84th minute, two minutes later Martinez was down with what looked like a serious injury, Sevilla then made it 2-2 deep into extra time courtesy of a Harry Maguire own goal.
After Martinez's injury, Sevilla duo Marcos Acuna and Gonzalo Montiel were seen carrying him off the pitch. You can watch the footage below.
At the time, many felt it was a brilliant gesture as they were helping their Argentina teammate, who was visibly upset.
However, some United feel the main reason behind the gesture was so that the match could resume quicker.
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One said: “When the Sevilla players seem like they care, but all they want is Martinez off the pitch.”
Another tweeted: “Why the hell were Sevilla players carrying Martinez off as well. Bruno would have decked them both and said get off. They're only doing it to get the game back on quicker.”
A third fan added: “Sevilla players understood time is money. Get Martinez out of the pitch for them to score!”
Someone else wrote: “I don’t know why everyone was congratulating Sevilla players for taking Martinez of the pitch. They just wanted the game to go on.”
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Whilst a fifth commented: “I still don't understand why Man Utd players allowed Sevilla players to carry Martinez off the pitch. Should have made sure he got treated on the pitch and waste time.”
United boss Erik ten Hag has since given a brief update on the severity of Martinez’s injury.
He said: “With Licha Martinez, he drops out after a moment where there was no opponent. It doesn’t look that great. We have to wait.”
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When asked if it was an Achilles injury, Ten Hag said: “I cannot tell what it is but it is not Achilles. No that is not the area.
“I think he will not play on Sunday, it looks like that but I can't say what is the diagnosis. I prefer to wait to say what it is.”
Topics: Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United, Sevilla, Football, Fan Reactions
Marcus Chan