Manchester United were ‘fortunate’ to finish Sunday’s game against Chelsea with 11 players, according to Gary Neville.

Referee Robert Jones sent a yellow card to United centre defender Lisandro Martinez in the third minute of second-half extra time for fouling Cole Palmer.

Former United captain Neville was astonished that the VAR did not ask Jones to review Martinez’s penalty.

Martinez, nicknamed ‘the Butcher’ at former club Ajax, launched a challenge on Palmer, and the studs of his right foot made contact with the Chelsea star’s left knee.

During his live commentary for Sky Sports, Neville remarked of the incident: ‘When you go that high, I think you’re asking for a red card. I think he’s lucky. When you go knee-high and the ball is gone, I believe it’s a red.’

Man United defender Lisandro Martinez (No 6) fouled Cole Palmer late in Sunday’s game.

Palmer is seen on the ground after the foul, which occurred in the 93rd minute at Old Trafford.

Ref Robert Jones showed Martinez a yellow card, but many spectators thought it should have been red.

Van Nistelrooy did not regard Martinez’s challenge as a red card at all.

After the game, Keane referred to Martinez as ‘a lucky boy’ and speculated that his ‘nasty challenge’ on Palmer was likely prompted by the Chelsea star skillfully flipping the ball over his head.

He won’t be thrilled if Palmer makes a mockery of him,’ Keane remarked. ‘This is a severe challenge. But he doesn’t capture him correctly. It is along the side of his leg.

Keane added: “If he had been sent off, there would have been no complaints.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea star Frank Lampard and former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp both agreed that Martinez deserved to be sent out.

Lampard stated, ‘I think it’s a red card for the purpose.

Redknapp concluded: ‘It’s reckless, unpleasant, and he knows exactly what he’s doing. He has a vicious streak in him. Look how high he lifts his leg; there’s no reason for it. 

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville stated that Martinez was ‘fortunate’ not to be sent off.

Fellow Sky Sports analysts Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, and Jamie Redknapp (left to right) thought a red card should have been shown.