Michael Carrick pressure was building on Saturday as Manchester United were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and their record of nine Premier League defeats in 10 games was extended, leaving them in dire straits. The defeat was United’s latest blow after the pair of bruising defeats against Bournemouth and Como, despite the board’s decision to keep Carrick when he had suffered two defeats in his last two two-match matches. But, another poor showing has added additional doubts about his tenure as head coach.

The visitors played well at the start to make some good chances before half-time, but their efforts were wasted. Bruno Fernandes replaced Carrick in the starting 11 as captain, with Matheus Cunha, Amad Diallo and Fernandes all missing chances in front of the home supporters, despite reports of friction between the two. Shortly after the half-time whistle, Chelsea hit back at their rivals.

It came after a 4:00 deficit and a superb skill move away from Senne Lammens, as Morgan Rogers conjured up the magic to score the first goal of the second half. In the early stages of the afternoon, the United game got off to a poor start when Lisandro Martinez shouldered Wesley Fofana in the box. The defender was booked on a second yellow card to leave the away side with 10 men and the home side with a chance to extend their lead. The result brought a penalty which Cole Palmer converted despite Lammens getting a hand to his effort, which sealed all three points for the home side. United ended up provisionally 16th in the table on the back of nine games, one point from the relegation zone. Chelsea had 16 points to move up to fourth.