Scrutiny on Michael Carrick is set to intensify further after Manchester United were handed a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea.

United were the better side in the first half but fell to pieces after the break. Morgan Rogers danced through several tackles to open the scoring with a superb solo strike, before Lisandro Martinez was shown two yellow cards in less than two minutes to leave United shorthanded.

Cole Palmer’s penalty made it 2-0, but the scoreline could have been far more one-sided as Estevao saw a pair of goals ruled out for marginal offsides.

The result stretches United’s historic winless run to nine matches - their worst since Sir Alex Ferguson’s first season with the club.

Arthur Ferridge was on hand to rate the Manchester United players’ performances...

Could perhaps have done better to keep out Morgan Rogers’ chipped finish for the opener, though he was badly let down by his defence. Got two hands to Cole Palmer’s penalty but was unable to keep it out, before being beaten at his near post for Estevao’s finish.

Diogo Dalot 6

United’s much-criticised right-back did an admirable job defending Estevao and Pedro Neto, but was poor going forward.

Lisandro Martinez 1

A dismal outing for the diminutive Argentine, who let his team and manager down mere weeks after questioning the club’s standards in a bombshell interview. Not massively convincing on his return to the starting lineup, particularly in defending set pieces. One of several players beaten too easily as Rogers scored the opener. Later booked for a foul on Rogers and picked up a second yellow shortly after as he conceded a penalty after needlessly body-checking Wesley Fofana.

Marching orders: Lisandro Martinez

PA

Harry Maguire 6

Made to look silly by Rogers as he waltzed through the United back line to score the opener. Vital touch denied a Palmer tap-in late on.

Leny Yoro 4

Could have done more to stop Rogers’ breezy goalwards run. Anonymous as United began to ship second-half goals.

Andrey Santos 6

Fortunate to dodge a booking after he put in a crunching tackle on his former team-mate Estevao. Enjoyed an entertaining battle with Romeo Lavia.

Carlos Baleba 5

United’s £70m man did not perform like one today. Quiet in midfield and caught out of position as United conceded early in the second half. His lack of influence is part of the reason the match was so open. Hooked on the hour mark.

Matheus Cunha 6

Unlucky to be denied a clinical opener for a marginal offside. Appeared frustrated thereafter as he struggled to inspire his United team-mates.

Remained off the boil, as he has done for much of this season, after being reinstated to the starting lineup. Missed a golden chance to open the scoring as he faced Mike Penders one-on-one but launched his finish into the Shed End. Lost the ball with a daft flick before Estevao’s goal, which he is fortunate was ruled out.

Subpar: Bruno Fernandes

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Amad Diallo 5

Had four huge chances to open the scoring in the first half but could not capitalise. Drew two smart saves from Penders, was denied by a superb Wesley Fofana block, and fired over from a one-on-one. Came off with an injury.

Bryan Mbeumo 6

Creative and direct on the ball in the first half, but came out of the spotlight as United collapsed after the break. Smacked the crossbar with a sweetly-hit volley.

Substitutes:

Kobbie Mainoo (Baleba ‘58) 6

Made a long-awaited return from injury off the bench with United chasing the game. Booked shortly after his introduction for upending Palmer.

Mason Mount (Cunha ‘66) 6

Quiet as United struggled to get out of their own half after his introduction.

Ayden Heaven (Andrey Santos ‘66) 6

Managed to stem the flow of Chelsea’s attack somewhat after coming on, but the damage was already done.

Joshua Zirkzee (Diallo ‘77) 5

Hardly had a touch after replacing the injured Diallo. Cautioned for a cyncial foul.

Not used: Darlow, De Ligt, Mazraoui, Tielemans, Lacey