Manchester United's difficult season took another dramatic turn at Old Trafford, with a controversial red card for defender Lisandro Martinez dominating the headlines after a 2-1 loss to Leeds. Former United midfielder and current pundit Michael Carrick didn't hold back, labeling the decision "one of the worst I've ever seen."

The flashpoint occurred with United already 2-0 down, courtesy of a Noah Okofor first-half brace. Martinez was dismissed after VAR adjudged his tangle with Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, which included contact with the forward's hair, to be violent conduct. Carrick was incensed, arguing the contact was minimal and the decision represented a "clear and obvious error."

"He touches it and he gets sent off," Carrick fumed. "We have got to be careful where the game is going. It is a shocking decision, absolutely shocking." Calvert-Lewin offered a measured response, stating he felt his hair pulled but held "no grudges" against Martinez, acknowledging the unfortunate nature of the incident.

The red card proved a pivotal moment. While Casemiro's headed goal offered late hope, ten-man United couldn't find an equalizer, handing Leeds a precious three points in their relegation battle. The consequences for United are immediate and significant: Martinez will now miss a crucial Premier League clash against top-four rivals Chelsea this weekend, further testing the squad's defensive depth.