Michael Carrick’s position as Manchester United head coach is under renewed threat after a 2-0 defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge extended his side’s winless run to nine matches in all competitions.

United’s afternoon unravelled in the second half as Morgan Rogers opened the scoring before Lisandro Martinez was sent off and Cole Palmer converted the resulting penalty. With United sitting just above the Premier League relegation zone, pressure is mounting on Carrick ahead of two potentially decisive fixtures.

United's hierarchy had previously held crisis talks over the head coach's position after a 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth. Carrick was widely expected to be dismissed following that result, but the club ultimately decided to give him more time to turn things around.

Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox - both in attendance at Stamford Bridge - were involved in discussions at Carrington, with replacements reportedly considered.

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery, former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann, fresh from leaving Germany, were among the names linked with the vacancy. Antonio Conte was also mentioned as a possible option.

However, United opted against making an immediate change, allowing Carrick to remain in charge for the trip to Chelsea.

The former United midfielder avoided questions about his position after the Chelsea defeat, instead insisting his attention was on preparing for the next match. Asked by TNT Sports if he would still be in place for the next game, Carrick replied: "Yes.”

Up next is Roma in the Champions League and then Villa in the Premier League before the November international break.

According to The Athletic, Man Utd chiefs have agreed to keep Carrick in post for the next two games, before reassessing the situation during the break.

“Got to keep moving forward and winning games, simple as that,” Carrick said after Saturday’s loss.

“There’s no words that I’m going to explain to you now that makes it any different; it’s not going to change it. You can move up the league quite quickly if you win football matches.”