Only a decision by the Red Devils hierarchy to hold fire until the upcoming international break could grant Carrick a few more days in the Old Trafford dugout.

His dismissal already appeared imminent following chastening defeats against Como (4-1) and Bournemouth (0-3), which confirmed one of the worst starts to a league campaign in the club's history. Even so, the board believed he could yet reverse their fortunes, granting him one final lifeline after a summit at Carrington earlier this week. That reprieve evaporated on Saturday afternoon at Stamford Bridge.

In an open, end-to-end contest where United spurned golden opportunities, Carrick's hopes steadily faded. The underlying numbers suggest the scoreline was somewhat cruel: prior to the opener from Morgan Rogers, Manchester United missed two one-on-ones through a recalled Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo, while a strike from Matheus Cunha was chalked off for offside.

The encounter turned on its head immediately after the restart. In the 50th minute, Morgan Rogers danced through United's defence before dinking the ball over the advancing Lammens to notch his finest goal in a blue shirt. Matters quickly unravelled for the visitors thereafter. Following a VAR review, referee Peter Bankes dismissed Lisandro Martinez for an elbow on Wesley Fofana and awarded a spot-kick. Cole Palmer stepped up and made no mistake from 12 yards.

With United in disarray, the referee, once again aided by VAR, chalked off another goal for Chelsea, this time denying Estevao on what was his first senior start under Xabi Alonso.

This latest setback extends United's wretched run to nine consecutive games without a win. Their last taste of victory came back on 10 September against Sabah, while their solitary success in the Premier League remains the matchday two triumph over Ipswich Town. Now languishing in 16th, United could finish the weekend submerged in the relegation zone depending on results elsewhere.