'One of worst decisions ever' - Martinez sent off for hair-pull

Red Devils captain Bruno Fernandes declined to comment on the officials for fear of getting in trouble, but Calvert-Lewin insisted his hair was pulled.

He said: "I don't know, I don't make the rules. I felt my hair get pulled, told the ref, he makes the decisions. Unfortunate for [Martinez], whether he's meant it or not. I hold no grudges."

Leeds boss Daniel Farke said: "I was worried because we had such good momentum and sometimes such a situation can change the momentum.

"I would have preferred to play 11 v 11 but it is how it is. But in the end we won the game and I don't complain."

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane and ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher sympathised with Carrick's side.

Keane told Sky Sports: "I can see both sides. When you class this as violent conduct this seems really harsh. It is harsh but when looking at the laws you have to accept it."

While Carragher added: "I think that is soft. He is going for the ball, trying to grab hold of something and he has got it for half a second... I don't think any football fan, any player is thinking that is a red card."

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville said on Sky Sports: "Martinez looks perplexed and confused: 'What have I done?'

"He's pulled his hair and that results in a red card, nowadays. He knows what he's doing there."

Martinez was making his first Premier League start for United since a 1-1 draw against West Ham on 10 February, after recovering from a calf injury.

It is the second consecutive league game in which United have had a defender sent off, after Harry Maguire saw red in the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth before the international break.

"The after-effects could be serious," said BBC Sport's Manchester United reporter Simon Stone.

"Martinez will be banned for Saturday's trip to Chelsea. Maguire is expecting to find out whether he is going to get an extra game suspension for his red card.

"If he does, 19-year-old Ayden Heaven and 20-year-old Leny Yoro will be Michael Carrick's only fit central defenders at Stamford Bridge."