Ljungberg Slams 'Sickening' Lisandro Martínez Red Card in Man Utd Defeat

Ljungberg: Martínez red card made me feel 'a bit sick' as Man Utd slump continues

Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg has criticised Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez for his unnecessary red card in the 2-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea last weekend. Ljungberg, speaking on Viaplay, said the incident left him feeling 'a bit sick' and defended under-pressure manager Michael Carrick, insisting the players are letting him down.

Match: Chelsea 2-0 Manchester United (Premier League, last weekend)
Incident: Lisandro Martínez sent off for an unnecessary challenge
Pundit: Freddie Ljungberg, speaking on Viaplay via Metro
Man Utd league position: 17th, seven points from nine games, just outside relegation zone on goal difference
Next fixture: AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday night, then Aston Villa in the Premier League next weekend

What was 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."
— Freddie Ljungberg, on Viaplay via Metro

"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."
— Freddie Ljungberg, on Viaplay via Metro

Ljungberg's comments shift the blame away from Carrick and onto the players, specifically Martínez. The former Arsenal winger, who was present at the game, expressed sympathy for Carrick amid widespread media criticism of the manager's coaching ability. He highlighted a pattern of behaviour from Martínez, suggesting the defender's decision-making has repeatedly cost his team.

The strong wording — 'stupid things' and 'doesn't think about the team first' — is a direct attack on Martínez's discipline. Ljungberg's view that the players 'let him down' will resonate with United fans who have watched their side underperform despite managerial changes. The pundit's sympathy for Carrick is notable, given the mounting pressure on the Old Trafford boss.

The numbers

Premier League position: 17th
Points: 7 from 9 games
Goal difference: Just outside relegation zone on goal difference
Champions League position: 20th
Champions League points: 3 from 3 games
Overall record this season: 2 wins from 13 games, 7 losses
Carabao Cup: Knocked out

Martínez's discipline under the microscope

Lisandro Martínez has established himself as an undisputed starter since joining from Ajax Amsterdam, helping the club win domestic cup competitions. However, his fitness problems have been well documented, and his contract situation — with his existing deal set to run until next summer — adds uncertainty. His recent criticism of the club's hierarchy after the Atlético Madrid defeat, followed by the red card against Chelsea, paints a picture of a player whose frustrations are boiling over.

The 28-year-old is valued at around £37m by Transfermarkt. His reaction and subsequent dismissal against Chelsea were unnecessary, according to Ljungberg, and it left United a man down in a game they went on to lose 2-0. Given United's precarious league position, such indiscipline is costly. Carrick's side cannot afford to have key players missing through suspension, especially with a crucial Champions League clash against Roma on Tuesday night.

Carrick's crisis in numbers

Manchester United's start to the season has been dire. With just seven points from nine Premier League games, they sit 17th, only outside the relegation zone on goal difference. In the Champions League, they are 20th with three points from three games. They have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup and have won only two of 13 games across all competitions, losing seven. Despite this, the hierarchy are keeping faith in Carrick — for now.

The pressure on Carrick is immense, but Ljungberg's defence suggests the fault lies with the players. The Reds Devils face AS Roma on Tuesday night before taking on Aston Villa next weekend. These are two fixtures that could define Carrick's tenure. If results do not improve, the faith of the hierarchy may be tested. For now, Carrick remains in charge, but the spotlight is firmly on his players to deliver.

Why Carrick's players must take responsibility

Michael Carrick can set up his team, but he cannot control individual errors like Martínez's red card. Ljungberg's analysis points to a deeper issue: a lack of discipline and team-first mentality among the squad. The players are not performing to the required standard, and their behaviour on the pitch is costing points. With a thin squad and mounting injuries, Carrick needs his senior players to step up — not get sent off.

The upcoming fixtures against Roma and Aston Villa are crucial. United need results to climb the table and restore confidence. If the players continue to make 'stupid things' as Ljungberg put it, Carrick's job will become untenable. The hierarchy's patience is not infinite. The next two games could determine whether Carrick gets the chance to turn things around or whether the club is forced to act.

Talking points

Is Ljungberg right to blame the players rather than Carrick? The stats suggest a squad underperforming, but the manager picks the team and tactics.
Should Martínez face internal disciplinary action for his red card? His contract expires next summer, and his future is uncertain.
How long can the Man Utd hierarchy keep faith in Carrick if results don't improve? Two wins in 13 is relegation form.
Does Ljungberg's Arsenal connection bias his view, or is his sympathy for Carrick genuine? His comments will spark debate among fans.

What happens next

Manchester United face AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday night, before a Premier League trip to Aston Villa next weekend. Carrick needs a response from his players, starting with a disciplined performance in Europe. Anything less, and the pressure will intensify further.

Frequently asked questions

What did Freddie Ljungberg say about Lisandro Martínez?

Ljungberg said Martínez's red card against Chelsea made him feel 'a bit sick' and accused the defender of doing 'stupid things' and not thinking about the team first.