According to a report by Daily Post on Monday November 2, 2026, Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg has criticised Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez following the Red Devils' 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Premier League, insisting that the players are failing manager Michael Carrick.

Martinez was sent off in the 63rd minute of Saturday's encounter at Stamford Bridge after receiving a second yellow card for raising his arm against Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana.

The Argentine's dismissal made United's difficult afternoon even worse, with Chelsea subsequently awarded a penalty that Cole Palmer converted to double the home side's advantage.

Morgan Rogers had earlier given Chelsea the lead after breaking through Manchester United's defence before delicately lifting the ball over goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Speaking after the game, Ljungberg expressed sympathy for Carrick, who has continued to face criticism over his managerial ability following United's disappointing results.

The former Arsenal winger believes the Manchester United players should take responsibility for their performances instead of allowing the manager to shoulder most of the blame.

According to Metro, Ljungberg said: “I feel, when I look at that, I feel sorry for Michael Carrick.”

Ljungberg was particularly disappointed with Martinez's behaviour during the match, arguing that the defender's actions showed a failure to consider the interests of his teammates.

The former Sweden international admitted that he felt uncomfortable watching the Argentine's conduct on the pitch.

“How they behave, Martinez, doing what he did, I was there, and I felt a bit sick,” he said.

Ljungberg also suggested that Martinez had made similar unnecessary mistakes on previous occasions without thinking about the consequences for Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Carrick refused to publicly blame Martinez for his dismissal when asked whether the defender had let him down during the defeat.

Speaking to TNT Sports, the Manchester United manager responded with a simple “No” when questioned about the Argentine's red card.

However, the dismissal remains another setback for Carrick as he attempts to turn around United's difficult campaign.

Manchester United's defeat at Stamford Bridge leaves them 17th in the Premier League table, with just seven points from their opening nine league matches.

The Red Devils are currently above the relegation zone only on goal difference, putting further pressure on the manager and his players.

United have also extended their winless run in all competitions to nine matches, having managed just two victories in 13 games this season.

Their disappointing form has increased concerns about the direction of the club, with Carrick facing questions about his ability to improve performances and results.

Ljungberg's comments highlight the growing debate surrounding responsibility at Manchester United, with the former Arsenal star insisting that the players must do more to support their manager.

For Carrick, the immediate challenge will be to restore confidence within his squad and find a way to get United back to winning ways.