Manchester United were taken apart once again against Chelsea in what could very well prove to be Michael Carrick’s final game in charge. United turned in a rather promising display in the opening half at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, finding some cohesion and fluidity in attack to trouble the hosts. Their lack of conviction in front of goal came back to haunt them in a disastrous second half.
Second-Half Collapse
United imploded again after Morgan Rogers sliced through to open the scoring, losing their heads with Lisandro Martinez sent off in ridiculous fashion. Cole Palmer scored from the penalty spot with Estevao having an effort chalked off for offside. It could have been plenty more for Chelsea with the visitors surrendering completely as the contest wore on.
Player Ratings
Metro hands out the Manchester United player ratings after another dismal day for Michael Carrick’s side.
Senne Lammens – 4: Could do little about Chelsea’s opener but should have kept out Palmer’s penalty.
Leny Yoro – 5: Defended well down the right and looked more comfortable going forward in the first period. The only United defender to emerge with anything resembling some credit.
Harry Maguire – 4: Almost allowed Pedro Neto in with a calamitous mistake late on in the first half. Too slow to deal with Rogers for his goal – he wasn’t the only one but should perhaps have taken charge of the situation.
Lisandro Martinez – 2: A disaster. Like his defensive partner, too meek as Rogers sliced his way through for his opening goal. Moments later, stupidly led with his forearm challenging Fofana on a corner having been booked moments earlier, earning his red card. A woeful display of self-discipline.
Diogo Dalot – 4: Unconvincing again at left-back and far too timid in trying to get close to any advancing Chelsea players.
Carlos Baleba – 3: Caught on the ball far too often in the opening stages of the match and carelessly dived in to try and win it in the lead up to Chelsea’s opener. Hooked before the hour mark for Kobbie Mainoo.
Andrey Santos – 4: Solid in the first half against his former club but hopeless as Rogers burst through midfield for his goal, sliding in but getting absolutely nowhere near his man.
Amad Diallo – 5: Looked sharp and tormented Wesley Fofana early on but ultimately too wasteful. Still just one goal or assist in the Premier League in 2026.
Bruno Fernandes – 4: Had his name chanted by United’s travelling supporters early on but did not provide the performance deserving of that reception. Spurned his side’s best chance after firing woefully wide on the counter. Anonymous after United fell behind and hopelessly gave the ball away for Estevao’s disallowed goal. Let his manager down after whatever reconciliation was met midweek.
Matheus Cunha – 5: Bright in the first period but faded dramatically. Replaced by Mason Mount after 65 minutes.
Bryan Mbeumo – 5: A similar story to Cunha. Was also caught on the halfway line for Chelsea’s opener by Romeo Lavia. Denied a goal of the season contender by the crossbar in added time.
