Cole says Martinez’s Manchester United time is over

Joe Cole said Lisandro Martinez’s Manchester United career had run its course after the defender was sent off during the club’s 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The former Chelsea midfielder criticized Martinez’s defending and said the dismissal reinforced his view that the Argentina international should leave the club. Martinez received a second yellow card after a VAR review of a challenge on Wesley Fofana during a Chelsea set piece. The review led referee Peter Bankes to award Chelsea a penalty and dismiss Martinez. Cole, speaking during TNT Sports’ coverage, said Martinez had been involved too often in mistakes and goals conceded by United. His remarks were an opinion, not an announcement of a club decision. Chelsea had taken the lead five minutes into the second half through Morgan Rogers, who drove through United’s midfield and scored past goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Martinez was booked shortly afterward for pulling Rogers back. Cole later described the defender’s challenge on Fofana as a major mistake and criticized his conduct in the incident. The dismissal was Martinez’s second yellow card, rather than a straight red for serious foul play or violent conduct. He...