Michael Carrick’s position as Manchester United manager is under increasing threat after his side suffered a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, extending their winless run to nine matches in all competitions.
United went into the Premier League encounter desperate for a victory but failed to maintain an encouraging first-half performance, allowing Chelsea to take control after the break.
The visitors had several opportunities to open the scoring before the interval. Bruno Fernandes blazed over from Bryan Mbeumo’s cross, while Amad Diallo was denied twice by Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders.
United also thought they had taken the lead when Matheus Cunha turned in Harry Maguire’s header from a corner, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
Chelsea broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half when Morgan Rogers drove through the middle of the United defence before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
United’s afternoon worsened when Lisandro Martinez received two yellow cards within three minutes. The defender was first booked for pulling back Rogers before a raised forearm on Wesley Fofana resulted in another booking following a VAR review.
Referee Peter Bankes awarded Chelsea a penalty and sent Martinez off, with Cole Palmer converting the spot-kick to double the hosts’ advantage in the 64th minute.
Chelsea almost added a third through Estevao, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Substitute Valentin Barco also missed a late opportunity, while Mbeumo struck the crossbar in stoppage time as United searched for a consolation goal.
The defeat leaves United 16th in the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone, and facing the possibility of ending the weekend in the bottom three.
It is their third consecutive defeat and longest winless run since October-November 1988.
Carrick had come under pressure following last weekend’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth but was given another opportunity to turn the team’s fortunes around.
However, Saturday’s result has intensified questions over his future, with United’s hierarchy facing another major decision ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Roma at Old Trafford.
Chelsea, meanwhile, moved up to fourth place following the victory.
