Manchester United’s miserable season has taken another turn for the worse following a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 31, piling further pressure on manager Michael Carrick.
United were condemned to another poor outcome as Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer both scored in the second half, with defender Lisandro Martínez sent off as the visitors collapsed late on.
Defeat stretched United’s winless record to nine matches in all competitions, the longest run without a win since 1988, reports said.
United began the match well and had a couple of opportunities in the first half but failed to convert. Among those who did not take advantage of the possibilities that presented themselves was captain Bruno Fernandes, who came back into the starting line-up after being dropped for the previous encounter.
Matheus Cunha and Amad Diallo also caused problems for Chelsea’s defence, with Bryan Mbeumo hitting the post. Cunha thought he had scored but his effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.
Chelsea were the better side after the break and took the lead in the 50th minute when Rogers surged through the heart of United’s defence before chipping the ball over custodian Senne Lammens.
United’s problems were aggravated in the 63rd minute when Martinez was dismissed for a second yellow card after a confrontation with Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana in the penalty area.
The referee went to VAR, confirmed the foul and handed Chelsea a penalty. In the 64th minute Palmer stepped up and sent the spot kick in, despite Lammens getting a touch to his effort.
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The red card reduced United to 10 men and made the task of trying to claw back the gap a whole lot harder.
The outcome has piled more pressure on Carrick, who faced questions over his future after defeats to Bournemouth and Como.
There has also been increased criticism of United’s leadership, recruiting decisions and performances of key players as the club has struggled.
Carrick, meanwhile, stopped short of looking too far forward after the defeat, adding that his immediate thoughts were on preparing the side for their next Champions League clash with Roma Today.
He accepted that they had lost control of the game after the break and described the second half as a difficult period for the team.
Carrick was full of admiration for his players who stuck together over a difficult period despite developing doubts.
The loss left United in danger of relegation, with the team having picked up only one league win from nine games. The three points meanwhile lifted Chelsea to fourth position.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso had a positive response after a difficult week and the play of teenage Brazilian winger Estêvão also caught the eye. The 19-year-old started the game and caused issues for the United defenders, however one shot was called offside.
United now face a big test against Roma, with supporters becoming increasingly apprehensive about the direction of the team and if Carrick can turn around its fortunes.
The manager’s job at Old Trafford could hang in the balance with the team’s struggles for results and the relegation zone starting to look an uncomfortable possibility, with the coming matchups could be pivotal.
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