Lisandro Martinez slams 'unbelievable' VAR decisions after Manchester United derby defeat

Following Manchester United's 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the derby, defender Lisandro Martinez launched a scathing attack on the match officials. The Argentine was particularly aggrieved by Erling Haaland's 60th-minute winner, which stood after a VAR check despite claims of interference from an offside position.

It is more than clear, everyone saw it. Haaland's goal was clearly influenced by the incident, because I tracked him and that left Haaland unmarked behind us. But it's fine, just a few games in and they already have plenty to sort out. Lisandro Martinez

Martinez questioned the standards of refereeing in the Premier League, suggesting that players feel restricted from speaking out for fear of punishment. He described the reliance on a small group of officials to make decisive calls in the world's best league as "unbelievable."

Despite playing with a man advantage following Phil Foden's 23rd-minute red card, United struggled to break down City's deep defensive block. Martinez admitted that the team failed to capitalise on the situation, noting that everything changed after the sending-off. The defeat leaves United in a difficult position, sitting 13th in the table after a poor start to the campaign.

Michael Carrick's side must now look to bounce back quickly. Their next challenge comes on Wednesday, September 16, when they host Brighton in the Carabao Cup third round. Subsequent domestic fixtures against Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur will be crucial as the club looks to climb away from the bottom half of the table.