Manchester United are locked in the race to secure Champions League football but suffered a shock defeat to Leeds on Monday night
Man United will face Champions League rivals Chelsea next weekend(Image: PA)
Manchester United’s return to Premier League action was one to forget after the international break, falling to a 2-1 defeat and seeing Lisandro Martinez sent off for hair‑pulling. Michael Carrick’s side started on the back foot, with the visitors opening the scoring through Noah Okafor, who went on to net both goals.
Just when United thought the second half might offer a chance to get back into the game, Martinez was shown a red card. The incident initially went unnoticed before the VAR (video assistant referee) advised referee Paul Tierney to check the pitch‑side monitor.
Confirming the decision, Tierney said: “After review, Manchester United 6 is guilty of pulling his hair – violent conduct. Final decision is red card.”
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The Argentina star will now miss United’s games against Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool, serving a three‑match ban for violent conduct. The setback is far from ideal for the Reds, who are fighting to secure European football next season.
The defeat leaves United level on 55 points with fourth‑placed Aston Villa, while Liverpool sit three points behind in fifth after their win over Fulham.
With that said, the Manchester Evening News has taken a look at United’s next fixtures compared to their rivals in the race for Champions League football.
Man United’s next five fixtures
Chelsea (A) – Saturday, April 18
Brentford (H) – Monday, April 27
Liverpool (H) – Sunday, May 3
Sunderland (A) – Saturday, May 9
Nottingham Forest (H) – TBC
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Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
Aston Villa’s next five fixtures
Sunderland (H) – Sunday, April 19
Fulham (A) – Saturday, April 25
Tottenham (H) – Saturday, May 2
Burnley (A) – Saturday, May 9
Liverpool (H) – TBC
Liverpool’s next five fixtures
Everton (A) – Sunday, April 19
Crystal Palace (H) – Saturday, April 25
Manchester United (A) – Sunday, May 3
Chelsea (H) – Saturday, May 9
Aston Villa (A) – TBC
Chelsea’s next five fixtures
Man United (H) – Saturday, April 18
Brighton (A) – Tuesday, April 21
Nottingham Forest (H) – Monday, May 4
Liverpool (A) – Saturday, May 9
Tottenham (H) – TBC