Going in at half-time, Michael Carrick had every reason to be pleased with what he had seen from his side.

They had battled well, limited Chelsea to very few chances and with more clinical finishing could have been a couple of goals ahead.

Key to the performance was their shape and tactical discipline, giving the home side no way through.

Yet five minutes into the second half that all went out of the window as Romeo Lavia won the ball around halfway and passed to Morgan Rogers, who must not have been able to believe his luck as the United players stood like statues as he ran towards goal.

Andrey Santos failed to get across, while Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez practically escorted him into the box until the forward was seven yards out and chipped into the net.

Like that, the momentum had changed and any chance of United reversing it took a decisive hit with the Martinez red card.

Booked for multiple kicks at Rogers' ankles just a couple of minutes earlier, the Argentina centre-back turned his back on the ball from a corner and shoved Fofana in the face.

It was entirely needless and one of the simpler VAR decisions you'll see this season.

The game was gone and, despite his unlikely survival this week, it would be a shock if Carrick isn't too soon.