Lisandro Martinez had a goal controversially disallowed during Manchester United’s draw with Burnley.
Darren Fletcher’s first match as interim head coach of Manchester United started awfully when Ayden Heaven’s own goal gifted the hosts a lead.
Thankfully, Benjamin Sesko scored twice in the second half to end his goalscoring drought, but United were held to a 2-2 draw because of Jaidon Anthony’s curling effort.
What did you make of the decision to disallow Lisandro Martinez’s goal vs Burnley?
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has had his say on the incident…
United were bright going forward and unfortunately had two efforts cleared off the line. The Red Devils also had the ball in the back of the net in the first half through Lisandro Martinez, but referee Stuart Attwell decided to disallow the goal.
Mark Clattenburg comments on Man United disallowed goal
United have been brilliant from set pieces this season, and Martinez thought he had added to that tally and scored his first goal of the season from a corner.
However, Attwell decided that Martinez had pushed Kyle Walker in the build up and blew for a foul.
United in Focus have spoken exclusively to former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg about the incident, and here is what he had to say:
“Manchester United thought they had tied the match up against Burnley but the celebrations were cut short by the referee’s whistle.
“Lisandro Martinez grabbed a hold of Kyle Walker and pushed him to the floor before getting to the loose ball and scoring.
Who was your Man Utd MOTM vs Burnley?
“This was a soft decision as many things go on inside the penalty area which go unpunished, and you can argue that there were some other fouls in the same phase of play.
“However, once the referee gives the free kick, then the VAR would not get involved as it is not a clear error from the referee.”
No beginner’s luck for Darren Fletcher
There were plenty of positives for Fletcher to take from his first United match, with United dominating possession and creating much more chances than their opposition.
Unfortunately, the match was decided in the small details. Burnley cleared the ball off the line twice and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka ended the match with six saves.
Shea Lacey came close to scoring a winner with his first action of the game, but his curling left-footed effort rattled the crossbar.
Fletcher’s game plan was worthy of a victory and three important points, but luck simply wasn’t on his or his players’ side at Turf Moor.
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