Manchester United's Premier League struggles deepened with a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, intensifying scrutiny on interim manager Michael Carrick.
United's Bright Start Fades
United began positively, but Amad missed two clear chances and Matheus Cunha had a goal disallowed, leaving the score 0-0 at halftime. Chelsea took the lead five minutes after the restart when Morgan Rogers powered past Harry Maguire and lifted the ball over Senne Lammens.
Lisandro Martinez received a second yellow card for a foul on Wesley Fofana in the box, conceding a penalty that Cole Palmer converted despite Lammens getting a hand to it.
Pressure on Carrick Intensifies
The defeat leaves United with just one win in nine league games, potentially dropping into the relegation zone by the weekend. Carrick avoided looking at Martinez as he left the pitch after the red card.
Carrick had held clear-the-air talks with captain Bruno Fernandes earlier in the week, following Fernandes's public criticism of tactics after a 4-1 Champions League loss to Como. Fernandes was dropped for the Bournemouth defeat but returned for this match.
Fofana's Difficult Match
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana endured a challenging first half, being dispossessed by Amad twice, but United failed to capitalise. Fofana had earlier been involved in a Carabao Cup penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool.
The victory marked Chelsea's return to winning ways after a loss to Spurs, while United's hierarchy may now consider Carrick's future.
