Chelsea sent Robert Sanchez red card verdict vs Man United as decision explained

Chelseahave been told why Robert Sanchez being sent off in the Premier League clash against Manchester United was the correct decision.

Sanchezwas given his marching orders by referee Peter Bankes after a tackle on Bryan Mbeumo just outside the penalty area in just the fifth minute.

VAR checked the decision and stayed with the on-field call by the referee of red card, forcing Enzo Maresca into making changes to his team minutes into the contest at Old Trafford.

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Maresca replaced Estevao Willian and Pedro Neto in a double substitution with Filip Jorgensen going between the posts and Tosin Adarabioyo being added to the defence.

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith was on commentary duty for Sky Sports during their coverage of the clash at Old Trafford, and issued his verdict on Sanchez's red card.

"There was two Chelsea defenders chasing back, it was two against one in Chelsea's favour and the referee still feels that is an obvious goalscoring opportunity," said Smith while on commentary for Sky Sports.

"It is a big, big call. It is certainly a foul, he was late on the scene, a poor challenge.

"It is always a subjective decision, that one. I don't think VAR are going to go against the ref on that occasion."

Less than 10 minutes after Sanchez was sent off, Chelsea were also 1-0 down on the score line after Bruno Fernandes put Man United a goal up.

The goal by Fernandes was also checked by VAR with a close offside call, with the close-range finish eventually being confirmed after a lengthy delay.