EPL: CHELSEA DEFEAT PUSHES CARRICK CLOSER TO MAN UTD SACK

Manchester United’s struggles continued on Saturday as Chelsea won 2–0 at Stamford Bridge, extending the visitors’ winless run to nine matches and increasing pressure on manager Michael Carrick.

Second-half goals from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer settled the contest, while Lisandro Martinez was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession.

The defeat left United just one point above the Premier League relegation zone, with the possibility of dropping into the bottom three by the end of the weekend.

United had opportunities to take control before the break but failed to convert them.

Returning captain Bruno Fernandes fired over from Bryan Mbeumo’s cross, while Amad Diallo was twice denied by Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders.

Matheus Cunha later put the ball in the net, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

Chelsea punished those missed chances five minutes after half-time. Rogers collected possession near the centre circle, drove through United’s defence and lifted the ball over goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

United’s task became harder when Martinez was booked for pulling back Rogers, then received a second yellow following a challenge on Wesley Fofana.

A VAR review also resulted in a penalty, which Palmer converted despite Lammens getting his hands to the ball.

Estevao thought he had added a third for Chelsea, but his finish was disallowed for offside.

Carrick now faces renewed scrutiny ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Roma at Old Trafford. United have lost two of their opening three European matches, adding urgency to their search for a turnaround.

No decision on Carrick’s future was confirmed in the report.