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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Labels Nemanja Mati? Red Card an 'Absolute Joke'

​Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was left fuming following his side's glorious Carabao Cup defeat to Manchester City following a red card shown to Nemanja Matić.

The Red Devils' second away win this season over their city rivals wasn't enough to see them reach the final, as they were knocked out 3-2 on aggregate. Matić opened the scoring for Solskjaer's side but was sent off with 14 minutes to go for a second yellow card for what was perceived as a cynical trip.

However, the Norwegian was quick to criticise referee Kevin Friend for his decision, claiming that the first foul wasn't a yellow and bringing attention to the amount of cynical fouls City themselves committed throughout the match.

Nemanja Matic

In his interview with ​Sky Sports following the game, United's boss said this: "It's hard to score with 11 here, never mind ten. Never a sending off. For me, an absolute joke.


"It's ironic really that he gets a yellow with his first foul, almost gets a yellow with his second foul, which isn't even a foul. Yep, the last one is a yellow card, but a red overall? Nowhere near.


"How many times did they foul us today? How many times was Dan James fouled? In the first half, Jesse [Lingard]?"


Following Matić's opener, United had to score another to take the tie to penalties but their task was made even harder when the Serbian was shown his second yellow card for a block on Ilkay Gundogan.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Due to the first leg which saw City beat United 3-1 at Old Trafford, the visitors needed to win by two to force penalties or three to progress to the final. However, the Red Devils were unable to do so and, therefore, Pep Guardiola's side will face Aston Villa in the final.


It's probably added salt to the wounds that this was one of the best chances for Solskjaer to win his first piece of silverware.


Whether or not Solskjaer is subsequently fined for his comments is yet to be seen but he held nothing back in his criticism, and history shows the FA are not a fan of managers criticising referees. His focus will now switch to United's Premier League fixture against Wolves.


Source : 90min