BBC pundit slams Lisandro Martinez after ‘severe’ Patrick Bamford incident in Manchester United v Leeds United
Leon Osman has slammed Lisandro Martinez after the Manchester United defender appeared to stamp on Patrick Bamford in the first half of the Red Devils’ 2-2 draw against Leeds United.
An early goal from Willy Gnonto and an own goal from Raphael Varane had put the Whites in control. However, second-half strikes from Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho meant the points were shared.
Bamford was involved in a first half coming together with Martinez which led the former Everton midfielder to deliver a scathing review of the Argentine.
“Just seen it again, it’s a shoulder to shoulder and then it’s a question of whether the foot ends up in his face, does it touch down on the head of Patrick Bamford,” said the Match of the Day pundit (BeIN Sports, 20:47).
“It’s a difficult one and you would say it’s intentional and severe, I think he certainly knows what he’s doing there.
“He claims his innocence and it’s one he will get away with, he’s a centre half who’s criticised for his lack of height so he has to make up for that and be aggressive.”
Inconsistency
If that incident had been the other way around, there would’ve been a 95 per cent chance of Bamford being sent off. With VAR in use, it was an absolute shambles to see the Manchester United defender get away with the alleged stamp.
Consistency is all that fans are after and sadly, Leeds have been let down on this occasion. Most fans would’ve been completely content with a point before kickoff considering both sides’ form. However, Michael Skubala will be extremely disappointed not to have picked up all three points after his side held a two-goal lead.
Regardless of the result, the performance should give the players plenty of confidence heading into the match at Elland Road on Sunday (12 February). Their fierce rivals have enjoyed a good season to date, but they’re certainly beatable and Skubala will fancy his chances of picking up three points.
The performance on Wednesday will have also given the board a little bit more time when it comes to appointing a new manager. There’s clearly an urgency which is required, but the board will potentially feel the current management structure will have enough about them to oversee one more fixture at Elland Road.
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