Manchester United's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday was a self-inflicted disaster, with wasteful finishing and a red card for Lisandro Martinez compounding the team's woes. The result leaves manager Michael Carrick under mounting pressure after another frustrating afternoon.
United dominated the first half and should have been ahead at the break against a lacklustre Chelsea side. Despite playing well, the team was once again recklessly wasteful in front of goal.
Wasteful Finishing Proves Costly
Amad had at least two clear chances to score but lacked composure to finish, producing another poor performance that raised questions about his inclusion in the starting lineup. Bruno Fernandes was also guilty of missing opportunities, while Matheus Cunha's touch in the box when clear on goal was horrendous.
The game's one moment of quality came from Morgan Rogers, whose driving run and brilliant dinked finish proved to be the difference. That goal punished United's first-half profligacy soon after the second half started.
Martinez's Moment of Stupidity
The first goal was always going to be key, and United should have had it and more. Cunha was pushed into an offside position when he tapped home, a goal that should have provided a confidence boost. When things aren't going for you, they really aren't going for you.
Lisandro Martinez then displayed a lack of composure, having a shocking season and being responsible for several goals with his blunders. Examples include the own goal against Fulham and the failure to deal with Dominic Solanke against Tottenham.
His ridiculous barge on Fofana was idiotic and ended the game with a red card and penalty, which Senne Lammens should have saved. Chelsea were never going to surrender their 2-0 lead from that point and indeed should have added more.
Carrick's Position Hangs in Balance
Bryan Mbeumo's thunderbolt shot was finger-tipped onto the underside of the Chelsea bar by Mike Penders and out to safety in the closing stages, summing up United's luck. Even when United do something great, it still doesn't go for them.
Martinez's head is clearly not right after his return from flag-waving at the World Cup, and it's time to move him on. Carrick has taken responsibility as his position hangs in the balance.
Should Carrick survive this latest defeat? Yes, because his team actually played really well in the first half. And yes, with a Champions League game against Roma on Tuesday and a match against Villa on Sunday, there is simply no time to change now. And yes, because no one else is going to quickly improve what he has at his disposal.
