Michael Carrick has no reason to complain – the cards have been stacked in Man United’s favour

Part of Michael Carrick ’s appeal to Manchester United lay in his ability to be measured and mild-mannered. It was a trait he displayed in his playing days; he was the least likely member of the squad to say anything controversial. No wonder Carrick felt the ideal antidote to Ruben Amorim , who was just too quotable for his own good.

So Carrick has emerged as an unlikely outspoken critic of the officiating. Fresh from United’s complaint to PGMOL about the decisions in their 2-2 draw at Bournemouth came what he called “one of the worst decisions I have ever seen,” to dismiss Lisandro Martinez for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair in the 2-1 defeat to Leeds. Carrick also argued Noah Okafor’s opening goal should have been disallowed for a challenge by Calvert-Lewin on Leny Yoro; calling it a “forearm smash” which made it sound considerably more brutal than it was.

All of which may have served as a reminder that he spent seven years playing for the master of the deflection tactic, Sir Alex Ferguson. Carrick is considering appealing against Martinez’s red card; the appeal would surely fail, however. Michael Carrick had plenty to ponder after defeat to Leeds (PA Wire) Whether or not the Argentine intended to grab Calvert-Lewin’s locks, and while it was at the less violent end of the spectrum for violent conduct, there is now precedent for such sendings-off.

It was Martinez’s first in a United shirt; while far worse misdemeanours predate Carrick’s appointment, the surprise is that he was not shown red quite some time ago. If Carrick may not be receptive to the theory decisions even themselves out – eventually, in some cases – there is always a case of double standards when a manager is willing to scapegoat officials while sparing their players of blame. United were awful in the first half against Leeds.