Leeds striker Patrick Bamford receives a kick in the face from Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez after a 50-50 challenge in a Premier League clash, but the incident is not being reviewed by VAR

Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez escaped punishment after his boot made contact with the face of Leeds’ Patrick Bamford.

The incident came in first-half stoppage time when the pair became tangled in the home side’s penalty area at Old Trafford, with the Whites leading 1-0 thanks to Wilfried Gnonto’s goal at the first minute.

Bruno Fernandes regained possession and put the ball in a dangerous position in his own box, with Bamford looking ready to hang on to it.

However, Martinez read the danger, beating the England striker to the ball before it collided and hit the bridge.

Martinez’s left boot then appeared to make contact with Bamford’s face twice, with the Leeds striker staying down and holding his hands above his head.

Conversely, the Argentine defender returned straight as the incident was not reviewed by VAR.

Seeing it at first glance, talkSPORT commentator and Sunderland legend Micky Gray said: “There have been some big challenges ahead over the last few minutes.

“He won the ball and his momentum carried it through and there was a follow up on Bamford’s ankle.

“It looked like he was in big trouble, but he recovered quickly and well.”

We’ll leave you to debate whether he really meant it…

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