"I think it's quite clear" - Enzo Maresca claims Manchester United star should've been sent off in draw with Chelsea

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca believes Lisandro Martinez should have been sent off during his side’s Premier League clash against Manchester United. The sides settled for a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday, November 3.

The first half ended goalless as both teams failed to capitalize on their chances. Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring in the 70th minute via a penalty kick after Robert Sanchez was adjudged to have impeded Rasmus Hojlund in the box.

Chelsea responded four minutes later with a beautiful strike from Moises Caicedo. The Blues’ midfielder struck home a first-time volley from the edge of the box to beat Andre Onana at his near post.

As both sides looked for the winner towards the end of the game, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez brought Cole Palmer down with a reckless tackle. Referee Robert Jones gave the Argentine centre-back a yellow card, judging it reckless but not worthy of a sending-off. The referee's decision was upheld after a VAR review.

However, Maresca has claimed that the Argentine defender should have been given his marching orders for the tackle on Palmer. Speaking after the clash, the Chelsea manager said (via the United Stand on X):

“He has ice on it, hopefully nothing important. I think it is quite clear for all of us but the referee took a different decision. When you don’t go for the ball and just the man it is a red."

An altercation following the tackle led the referee to book Nicolas Jackson and Amad Diallo.

The result saw Chelsea move past Arsenal in the standings. The Blues are fourth with 18 points, the same points as the Gunners, but they have a superior goal difference. Manchester United, meanwhile are 13th with 12 points from 10 matches.

Chelsea's winless run against Manchester United at Old Trafford continues

The Blues’ winless run at Old Trafford continued with a 1-1 draw on Sunday. Chelsea have failed to beat Manchester United away since 2013 in the Premier League.

Ahead of the game, it looked like they were going to end the poor record considering the Red Devils' struggles this season. However, they had to settle for a draw as Manchester United produced a spirited performance.

Enzo Maresca’s side will now prepare to face Armenian side Noah FC in the Conference League on Thursday, November 7. After that, they will lock horns with Arsenal in the London derby on Sunday, November 10.