Michael Carrick expresses significant disappointment with officiating choices in match involving Man United.
Michael Carrick has expressed significant disappointment regarding several recent officiating choices that have resulted in Manchester United missing Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez for the crucial match against Chelsea.
The third-placed Red Devils are in a strong position to secure a return to European football’s elite, as the top five teams in the Premier League qualify for the upcoming season’s Champions League.
United holds a seven-point advantage over sixth-placed Chelsea ahead of Saturday evening’s clash at Stamford Bridge, where the suspensions of Maguire and Martínez add to the absence of fellow centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, who is out long-term.
Martínez received a red card in Monday’s 2-1 home loss to rivals Leeds, a match that Maguire missed after being sent off at Bournemouth, where his reaction resulted in the Football Association imposing an additional one-game suspension this week.
United manager Carrick stated: “To be honest, there’s not much we can do in response. Massively disappointed, of course.”
“I think I’ve had several reasons to feel quite let down regarding those types of situations over the past couple of weeks or three weeks.”
“But now we must move forward. The decisions have been made, and while we are really disappointed in many respects, that’s it now. We need to move on, and we will.”
Martínez starts a three-match suspension for violent conduct after being sent off for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair, following a VAR review that prompted referee Paul Tierney to check the incident on the monitor.
An upset Carrick labeled the decision “one of the worst I’ve seen,” and the Press Association reports that United planned to appeal the red card.
The former midfielder avoided confirming whether the appeal was submitted but acknowledged that the Argentina international will not be available for Saturday’s match.
“We’re obviously disappointed,” Carrick remarked. “We didn’t agree with it. I think it was quite clear how I felt after the game, and I still hold that view.”
“Yeah, listen, I don’t want to delve into it now. It is what it is. We’ve faced some tough decisions, and ultimately, we have to accept it and move forward, regardless of our feelings about them.”
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When asked to confirm if Martínez would be available against Chelsea, Carrick replied: “No.”
Patrick Dorgu remains sidelined against Chelsea as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained in January, but Kobbie Mainoo may be available after missing the defeat to Leeds due to an issue picked up in training.
“Patrick is progressing well, he’s rehabbing effectively, he’s on track, but he’s not yet training with us, although he is back on the pitch,” Carrick noted. “That’s a positive, and he’s doing really well.”
“Kobbie, we’re working towards it. He’s done a bit of training, so a decision will be made there.”
