Lisandro Martinez's costly red card left Manchester United a man down and Michael Carrick empty-handed in a 2-0 loss at Chelsea.
Manchester United's trip to Stamford Bridge unraveled in a flash. Lisandro Martinez's dismissal turned a contest into a damage-limitation exercise, and Chelsea took full advantage to win 2-0.
The Argentine defender's brief lapse was widely branded inexplicable. Just 83 seconds were enough to undo United's game plan, and the red card handed the hosts the initiative. Martinez's discipline, usually overshadowed by his fierce competitiveness, is now in the spotlight.
For Michael Carrick, the timing could hardly be worse. Playing with ten men against a Chelsea side hungry for points is a daunting task at any ground. Here it proved too much, and United never recovered the control they needed.
The defeat leaves United with plenty to reflect on, and the focus will fall on how they handle the fallout of Martinez's suspension. Chelsea take the three points, while United are left to ask how one reckless spell cost them the game.
