Manchester United fans continue to be frustrated with their mixed start to the season under Erik ten Hag.
The Dutch boss finds himself under renewed pressure at Old Trafford following a low-key 1-1 UEFA Europa League opening home draw with FC Twente.
That result means the Red Devils have won just three of their eight games in all competitions so far in 2024/25 including a 7-0 EFL Cup victory over third-tier side Barnsley.
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A 0-0 Premier League draw at Crystal Palace last weekend caused further murmurings of discontent among the travelling supporters as ten Hag's team missed a host of chances to snatch a late win.
However, a point away from home was positively spun by ten Hag after the game, and the situation could have been worse with center-back Lisandro Martinez fortunate not to be sent off at Selhurst Park.
Lisandro Martinez's tackle at Crystal Palace
Martinez has developed a reputation as a bruiser in the heart of United's defence and the Argentinian clashed with Daichi Kamada in the second half.
Kamada was left writing in pain as Martinez appeared to launch himself into a two-footed tackle on the Japan international right in front of referee David Coote.
Contact or not, this quite easily comes under "serious foul play", Lisandro Martinez should have received a red card for endangering Kamada.
— Has the Referee or VAR made a poor decision? (@PoorEPLreferees) September 21, 2024
We should not be deciding a punishment based on whether he ends a career with this action or not. https://t.co/M55ZT1uxn6 pic.twitter.com/OTkmzUDaDi
The Palace players immediately swarmed on Coote to demand a red card, but he opted to caution Martinez with a yellow, with no VAR review ordered from Stockley Park.
The decision was criticized by multiple pundits at full time, with Martinez lucky he did not make full contact with Kamada, and the Premier League have sinc made their call.
Lisandro Martinez Premier League suspension
Following the weekend's EPL action, the Premier League's Key Match Incidents panel convened to assess the Martinez tackle alongside other calls.
The panel is made up of three former players or coaches, one Premier League representative and one from referees' body Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
They unanimously agreed with Coote's decision and the lack of VAR overview but labelled the tackle as 'ridiculous'.
"The action viewed in isolation is a ridiculous challenge. Martinez is so fortunate he doesn't contact Kamada. However, the challenge has no place on the pitch."
The wording is likely to frustrate Palace supporters, but it means Martinez escapes a ban, and the 26-year-old has only missed one Europa League game through suspension into his third season at United.
Ten Hag's charges face a Premier League clash with Tottenham on September 29.
