Martinez's 'inexplicable' 83 seconds cost Man Utd and Carrick

If Martinez's actions were inexcusable, the reality is United were losing when they were reduced to 10 men.

For that, there has to be a large dollop of sympathy for Carrick.

In the first-half, United were far better than they had been in three-goal losses to Como and Bournemouth. They were determined, concentrated, and focused. Sadly for Carrick, they weren't clinical.

Four excellent opportunities came and went. Bruno Fernandes and Amad both blazed off target when they should have done much better.

Chelsea keeper Mike Penders made two excellent saves. Even in the latter stages, Bryan Mbeumo's blistering shot couldn't find its way in.