Newcastle fans must be asking questions about what happened last night when Manchester United drew 2-2 at Old Trafford.
what’s the story
Well, the Magpies take on the Red Devils in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley on Sunday 26 February.
Eddie Howe will certainly take a cheer from last night’s game as Leeds went 2-0 up, although he and thousands of Newcastle fans will say Lisandro Martinez should have been shown a red card.
If the Argentine international had been given a controversial red card, it would have kept him out of the Carabao Cup final.
In the 47th minute, Martínez and Patrick Bamford dueled for a loose ball, which the South American England international fell to before both fell to the ground.
Manchester United’s No. 6 was then seen swinging his foot towards Leeds’ No. 9’s face, an act Michael Owen felt was deliberate and “unflattering” – an understatement, in fact.
Had the video assistant referee picked up the incident and found Martínez guilty of violent conduct, it would have resulted in a three-match ban for 57 million pounds sterling A man who misses the domestic confrontations with Leeds, Leicester and the Carabao Cup final.
Manchester United also played two matches in the European League with Barcelona this month, although red cards received in a domestic match do not apply to European matches.
Of course, Erik ten Hag has other defenders to call on, but Martinez is one of the Dutchman’s most important players, and his absence would have given Newcastle a huge advantage in the Carabao Cup final.
Newcastle can hurt Manchester United
Last night, a runless Leeds side managed to cause plenty of problems for Manchester United, threatening the likes of Wilfried Genonto and Crescencio Summerville wide.
With dangerous wingers of his own in the likes of Miguel Almiron, Alain Saint-Maximin and Anthony Gordon to choose from, Howe will certainly be encouraged by it, looking to target the Ten Hag defenders at Wembley.
Whatever happens, it’s sure to be an exciting final between two brilliant teams, as well as two managers who definitely know their stuff.
In other news, ‘Perfect’: Journalist advises coach to shine at Leeds as he becomes first choice to replace Marsh
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