LISANDRO MARTINEZ fumed after being subbed in Manchester United’s defeat to Newcastle – but Red Devils fans directed their fury at manager Erik ten Hag instead.
The Argentine centre-back was hooked for Facundo Pellistri in the 83rd minute of their defeat at St James’ Park.
Martinez reacted angrily, slapping a chair as he went to take his seat.
Fans were quick to comment on Martinez’s tantrum, with one saying: “Who saw Martinez on the bench? GRRRRRR.”
Another said: “Martinez slapping the bench chair!”
The Old Trafford faithful, however, directed their anger at Ten Hag as he also subbed Rafael Varane for fellow defender Victor Lindelof as they were chasing an equaliser.
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One tweeted: “United are down 1-0 to Newcastle and their manager subs in [Harry] Maguire and Lindelof in place of Lisandro Martinez and Varane.”
Another said: “Sorry, who can explain to me why Ten Hag has taken off both Varane and Martinez?”
And another said: “Doesn’t make sense in any way. Martinez has been our best ball player too.
“This is stupid on so many levels.”
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One remarked: “Ten Hag is taking off his best defender? Hahahahaaha.”
Another chimed in: “This loss is on Ten Hag.
“Takes off Martinez, McTominay, Weghorst and Varane, and bring on our worst defender aerially and concede a header.”
United suffered a 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park thanks to second-half headers from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson.
Defeat to the Toon has seen the Red Devils slip into fourth place – where they trail Eddie Howes’ troops by goal difference.
United will be back in action on Wednesday night, welcoming Brentford to Old Trafford.
Newcastle, meanwhile, will travel to the London Stadium to take on relegation battlers West Ham.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
