Michael Carrick has expressed his deep disappointment regarding recent refereeing calls that have sidelined Manchester United players Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez ahead of their crucial match against Chelsea.
The Red Devils, currently third in the league, are aiming to secure a place in the next season’s Champions League, as the top five teams in the Premier League qualify.
With a seven-point lead over sixth-placed Chelsea, United faces challenges on Saturday night at Stamford Bridge, especially with the suspensions of Maguire and Martínez, along with the extended absence of Matthijs de Ligt.
Martínez received a red card in Monday’s home defeat to Leeds, while Maguire saw red during a match at Bournemouth, resulting in an added one-game suspension from the Football Association.
Carrick stated, “Honestly, there isn’t much we can do. Of course, I’m massively disappointed.”
“I’ve had several occasions to feel let down by decisions in recent weeks.”
“But we need to move on now. The decisions have been made, and while we are understandably upset about them, it’s time to accept it and move forward.”
Martínez is set to serve a three-match ban for violent conduct after being sent off for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair upon a VAR review of the incident.
An upset Carrick labeled the call “one of the worst I’ve ever witnessed,” with reports suggesting that United planned to appeal the decision.
While Carrick avoided confirming whether an appeal had been lodged, he did confirm that the Argentinian defender would miss the match against Chelsea.
“We’re thoroughly disappointed. We don’t agree with the decision, and my feelings after the game were clear.”
“I’d prefer not to delve into this further. We’ve faced some difficult calls, and now we have to accept that and move forward.”
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When asked if Martínez would be available for the Chelsea match, Carrick replied: “No.”
Patrick Dorgu will also remain unavailable as he continues recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in January, but Kobbie Mainoo might be able to play after missing the Leeds defeat due to a training injury.
“Patrick is progressing well in his rehabilitation, he’s on track, but not training with us yet. However, he’s back on the pitch, which is positive,” Carrick noted. “As for Kobbie, we’re working to get him fit again. He’s made some progress, so we still need to make a decision there.”