“It’s like a distraction”: Roy Keane unloads on Carrick with accusation after limp Leeds loss

Legendary Manchester United captain Roy Keane has hit out at Michael Carrick, accusing him of distraction tactics after the club’s limp defeat to Leeds United. United defeated Carrick suffered just his second loss as United caretaker boss on Monday evening, as Leeds handed him and his players a 2-1 beating. Noah Okafor took advantage of some pitiful defending from United to score a brace and give the visitors a commanding lead before half-time. Things worsened for United when Lisandro Martinez was given his marching orders for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair. Referee Paul Tierney had not initially penalised Martinez until he was advised by VAR official John Brooks to review it on the pitchside monitor. Only then did he dish out a red card and dismiss the Argentina international. Casemiro pulled one back for United to give the team some hope of mounting a comeback, but Leeds held on for all three points. After the final whistle, a fuming Carrick slammed the decision to send Martinez off. Carrick branded the referee call “one of the worst” he had ever seen. The interim head coach also questioned why Okafor’s goal was allowed to stand, as it looked like Calvert-Lewin had elbowed Leny Yoro in the face just before the ball flew into the back of the net. Carrick’s anger with the red card was echoed by playmaker Bruno Fernandes. But Keane believes Carrick used the outrage from the incident to deflect attention from United’s poor display against their historic rivals. Keane hits out at Carrick Speaking on The Overlap, Keane said, “I can see why he gave it, but this idea of violent conduct, it is harsh. But they did it to (Michael) Keane, he was sent off at Everton a couple of months ago and that was the same type of scenario.” “He didn’t really grab him but he got a red card for it, so. I think when they call it violent conduct, that sounds a bit bizarre, doesn’t it?” “I am amazed after the game, United, everyone is angry at the sending off.” Keane added, “You should be angry with the performance. Do you know what it is? It’s like a distraction, the sending off. No, you were 2-0 down at the time.” “Be angry with the fist half where you can turn up for a game so slowly. It’s like a distraction for everyone, ‘We will talk about the sending off’. I can see why he sent him off, but this violent conduct seems a bit strange.” A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United plan to appeal Martinez’s red card. Considering that Harry Maguire is also suspended for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea after his ban was extended, Carrick may have no choice but to deploy a young centre-back pairing of Yoro and Ayden Heaven. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!