Manchester United's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier league has cast fresh doubt over Michael Carrick's future as the club's manager. The loss extended United's winless run to nine matches in all competitions, their worst such streak since 1988.
A fourth league defeat of the season leaves Manchester United 16th in the table, with just seven points from their opening nine games. They are now only one point above the relegation zone. Carrick had been expected to lose his job after last weekend's 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth. However, the club's hierarchy decided to give him more time to turn things around.
Bruno Fernandes, who missed the Bournemouth game after being dropped for criticising Carrick's tactics following a heavy defeat at Como earlier in the week, returned to the starting XI at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, meanwhile, named the youngest starting XI in the Premier League this season, with an average age of just under 24.
United were competitive in an end-to-end first half but faded badly after the break. Matheus Cunha thought he had given the visitors the lead with a close-range header in the 35th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Fernandes missed a good chance, while Amad Diallo twice failed to beat Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders when through on goal. Chelsea faced boos from some of their supporters at half-time but responded with a much-improved display after the break. Morgan Rogers broke through the heart of United's defence to open the scoring in the 50th minute.
Cole Palmer doubled Chelsea's lead from the penalty spot 14 minutes later. The hosts were awarded a spot kick after VAR spotted Lisandro Martinez, who was not looking at the ball, thrusting an arm into Wesley Fofana's face. Martinez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, and Palmer made no mistake from the spot.
Chelsea thought they had added a third when Estevao, making his first Premier League start of the season under Xabi Alonso, found the net. However, the goal was ruled out for a marginal offside.
The hosts had further chances to extend their lead, with Estevao coming close and substitute Valentin Barco missing a late opportunity. United nearly pulled one back in stoppage time when Bryan Mbeumo struck the crossbar. The result takes Chelsea up to fourth, while United could find themselves in the relegation zone by the end of the weekend.
United have endured a run of 10 matches without a win only twice before in their history, during the 1977-78 and 1961-62 seasons. They now face Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday.