Gary Neville says Manchester United are stuck in a rut and that a difficult run of fixtures ahead makes for “really worrying” times at Old Trafford.

Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea extended United's winless run to nine games in all competitions - their longest since 1984 - and puts them at risk of falling into the relegation zone before the next international break.

Head coach Michael Carrick said after the loss at Chelsea that he expects to remain in charge for Tuesday night's Champions League visit of Roma.

Describing United's current predicament, Neville said: "It's very difficult. It feels like the club is stuck in a rut. It's stuck in a rut in terms of results, it's now nine without a win, which is obviously a really horrible run to be in at any point.

"People will talk about the first half (against Chelsea) and say that there were some good things, and there were. But when things aren't going your way, you've got to be able to dig in.

"You've got to keep your discipline and you've got be able to get through points in a game when your opponents are doing quite well - and Manchester United can't do that right now.

"As soon as they go a goal down they fall to pieces.

"I don't think it's at that stage (where Manchester United are in a relegation battle). I don't think they will end up there, but it's a worry. It's a real depression of results, a depression of performances.

"And they've got difficult games coming up.

"Any team that is organised, that's got a combination or two about them, will cause Manchester United problems.

"Roma could do that on Tuesday, Aston Villa next weekend are very organised, [they] know how to play. After that, they come to Anfield.

"There are a lot of big games in front for Manchester United in these next few weeks, but it's really worrying."

Nev: If I played like Martinez, I'd be curled up in a ball

Neville explained he is distinctly unimpressed by Lisandro Martinez's performances. Martinez was sent off in the loss at Stamford Bridge on just his second start since his extraordinary criticism of the club's hierarchy.

"Lisandro Martinez? That's what I expect from him, to be honest with you," Neville said.

"I said the other week - and you've got to respect hat he is a World Cup winner - but every time I watch him for Manchester United he is at fault for a goal.

"He was at fault for two yesterday. The first goal is solely on him.

If I was giving away the goals that he is giving away, I wouldn't be doing interviews. And to be fair, I wouldn't be speaking out, because I have to say, I would be curled up in a ball, playing like that for Manchester United.

"We all give goals away as defenders, but the quantity of goals he gives away is remarkable. And that defence is nowhere near good enough and it falls apart every time it is put under big pressure."

Man Utd's next six fixtures

Roma (H) - Champions League - Tuesday

Aston Villa (H) - Premier League - Sunday November 8, live on Sky Sports

Liverpool (A) - Premier League - Sunday November 22, live on Sky Sports

Sporting (A) - Champions League - Wednesday November 25

Brentford (H) - Premier League - Saturday November 28

Newcastle (A) - Premier League - Wednesday December 2, live on Sky Sports