Jamie Redknapp, a pundit for Sky Sports, saw an unresolved “fight” between Ismaila Sarr and Lisandro Martinez during Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.
Martinez got into a scrap with Sarr before Red Devils goalkeeper Andre Onana made two spectacular saves, one to preserve his team from losing at Selhurst Park and the other to keep Eddie Nketiah and Sarr from scoring.
In the second half, when Palace were on the offensive, former Arsenal striker Nketiah had a shot from beyond the box that Onana saved, but the rebound fell to Sarr, who had the goal in his hands.Even though the Senegalese star would have had more time to reach the ball had Martinez not intervened, Onana managed to get a touch on it nevertheless.
By being entangled with and then left trailing behind Sarr, “lucky” Martinez nearly cost United the match, as Redknapp noted at halftime. His goalie saved the day, though.
For Redknapp, “I tell you who is lucky here, Martinez,” was the piece of analysis. Somehow, he seems intent on starting a fight there. As Sarr enters, he pursues it, and Martinez is taken off guard. He hesitates, but luckily, his caretaker steps in to help.
He has to improve his rebounding game, according to the data. It was a fantastic save by his goalkeeper, who saved him with that huge right hand.
Martinez had a rough match overall, but that wasn’t the first time he caused controversy. He was sent off for a two-footed challenge on Daichi Kamada while the Argentine was airborne.
Martinez was left on the field despite the Palace players’ protests for a red card and the involvement of VAR in the decision-making process.
Adding, “I’d love to tell you [what is his thinking],” Redknapp continued. He wants to jump in with both feet when he gets into a position. I have no idea; that’s a tackle we witnessed a long time ago. There must be some benefit to jumping in headfirst, but I fail to see it.