Chelsea piled more pressure on Manchester United manager Michael Carrick after a dominant 2-0 Premier League victory over a 10-man United side at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The defeat was United’s third consecutive loss and extended their winless run in all competitions to nine matches, their longest since October-November 1988.
The latest setback leaves the Red Devils 16th on the Premier League table, just one point above the relegation zone, increasing concerns over Carrick’s future only days after he was given another opportunity to revive the club’s disappointing season.
Despite producing an encouraging display in the first half, United suffered a dramatic collapse after the break as Chelsea took complete control of the contest.
Chelsea broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half when Morgan Rogers surged through the heart of United’s defence unchallenged before calmly lifting the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 1-0.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 64th minute after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) reviewed an incident involving Lisandro Martinez and Wesley Fofana. Martinez was judged to have struck Fofana in the face with his arm while challenging for the ball, earning a second yellow card and a red card.
Cole Palmer made no mistake from the penalty spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to score Chelsea’s second goal and effectively end the contest.
Chelsea almost added a third goal when Brazilian winger Estevao, making his first Premier League start of the season under manager Xabi Alonso, fired home from close range. However, the effort was ruled out after a VAR review confirmed a marginal offside.
The victory strengthens Chelsea’s push in the Premier League standings, while Manchester United’s alarming slump continues to fuel doubts over Carrick’s ability to turn the club’s fortunes around.
