Chelsea took full advantage of Manchester United’s second half collapse to secure a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge and leave Michael Carrick under mounting pressure.
United have now gone nine games without a win in all competitions. It is their longest such run since October and November 1988.
The defeat was also their fourth in the Premier League this season. They remain 16th, just one point above the relegation zone, with the club’s poor start leaving Carrick’s position increasingly uncertain.
United had looked competitive in the first half, but Chelsea took control soon after the break. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring five minutes into the second half after walking through the heart of the visitors’ defence before lifting the ball past the goalkeeper.
Chelsea then doubled their lead in the 64th minute. A VAR review showed Lisandro Martinez had thrust an arm into Wesley Fofana’s face without looking at the ball. The referee awarded a penalty and sent Martinez off after showing him a second yellow card.
Cole Palmer converted from the spot, leaving United with 10 men and a two goal deficit. Chelsea went on to dominate the closing stages.
Estevao, making his first Premier League start of the season under Xabi Alonso, thought he had added a third. However, the winger’s finish was ruled out for a marginal offside.
Manchester United Fade After Promising First Half
United had threatened in the opening 45 minutes. Matheus Cunha headed the ball into the net from close range, but VAR ruled him offside and disallowed the goal.
Bruno Fernandes, recalled to the starting line up, also sent a good chance over the bar. Amad Diallo twice found himself with only Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders to beat, but failed to convert either opportunity.
Chelsea had faced a smattering of boos at half time. However, their improved performance after the break quickly eased the frustration among the home supporters.
Rogers gave the hosts the breakthrough they needed, with United’s defence offering little resistance. Martinez’s two bookings in the space of three minutes then left Chelsea firmly in control.
The hosts could have added to their lead. Estevao came close, while substitute Valentin Barco missed a clear late chance.
United still threatened in stoppage time when Bryan Mbeumo struck the crossbar. However, they could not find a way back into the match.
The result leaves United with just seven points from a possible 27 in the Premier League. They could also fall into the bottom three before the day ends.
Their league winless run now stands at seven matches. United last endured a longer sequence between 1 April and 16 May 2025, when they went eight games without a victory.
Chelsea, meanwhile, move up to fourth in the table after taking all three points.
At full time, Carrick looked a defeated man as he walked straight towards the travelling supporters, who were still singing his song.
