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Wigan boss Martinez: Man Utd striker Rooney should have seen red

Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez says Wayne Rooney should have been sent off in the beginning of Manchester United's 4-0 win.

Rooney caught James McCarthy in the face with his elbow during the opening minutes of United's win at the DW Stadium.

"I saw the incident clearly and the referee did as well because he gave the free-kick," said Martinez.

"Once you give a free-kick it is quite clear that it is a red card. When you look at the replay, it is quite clear he catches James McCarthy in the face with his elbow.

"If one of my players had done that, I would think he was very lucky to stay on the pitch.

"It is a big call in the game. It is unfortunate because the referee saw it but he didn't feel it was a red card.

"It was not because he was Wayne Rooney. It was an incident in the game. That is it."

Predictably, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson took an alternate view, feeling ref Mark Clattenburg made the correct call.

"I have had a chance to see it," said the Scot. "There is nothing in it.

"But, what will happen, the question has been asked and because it is Wayne Rooney the press will raise a campaign to get him hung by Tuesday or electrocuted or something like that.

"It is unbelievable. Watch the press. It will be interesting to see it."

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