Lisandro Martinez’s evening took a disastrous turn as the Manchester United defender committed two grave errors in less than five minutes, gifting Tottenham a commanding lead.
The Argentine’s first mistake came when James Maddison’s cutback from the byeline was poked out to Dejan Kulusevski by Martinez, allowing the Swedish forward to sweep home from eight yards out.
Just five minutes later, Martinez’s woes continued as he failed to track Dominic Solanke’s run onto a long ball over the top.
Solanke cut back inside, exploiting the space between Martinez and Jonny Evans, before slamming a low shot into the back of the net.
To compound Martinez’s misery, he had earlier kept Solanke onside, failing to step up and play the striker offside.
The two errors in quick succession proved pivotal, as Tottenham tripled their lead and left Manchester United reeling.
United fans were all left pointing the finger in the same direction with Lisandro Martinez receiving heavy criticism on social media for his role in the Spurs goals.
Gary Neville described his clearance as ‘whimpish’ in the build-up to Kulusevski’s finish and fans have also made their feelings clear.
One fan said: “Martinez having an absolute stinker! Shocking defending. Cost us the game”
Another added: “People won’t want to hear it but Martinez has been poor for months, had a great game in the Derby but apart from that he’s looked very suspect for a long time. Nothing like his first season self.”
A third said: “He needs to become a squad player if we’re honest, not good enough to win a league title.”
A fourth added: “I would sell him in the summer. I know he’d need replacing but frankly, even in his first year he had moments where he looked suspect. He’s just not top 4 prem quality and cannot be trusted.”
A fifth concluded: “Not been the same since the injury, think we probably need a new LCB in the summer.”
United nearly staged a late comeback thanks to mistakes from Tottenham back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
The former Southampton player threw the ball to Bruno Fernandes, who converted it with Joshua Zirkzee. Minutes later, he waited too long on a clearing, allowing Amad’s sliding tackle to find the back of the goal, much to Postecoglou’s dismay.
With minutes remaining on the clock, Son Heung-min scored immediately from a corner, leaving Bayindir enraged, alleging he was fouled in the area, but with no VAR, the referee’s initial judgment held.
Jonny Evans scored late in injury time to add to the excitement, but Spurs held on for victory in a tumultuous match.
Tottenham joins Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle in the semi-finals.