Manchester United’s winless run extended to nine matches – for the first time since 1988 – following a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

After battling for the first 45 minutes and looking like the better team, Manchester United utterly collapsed in the second half.

Morgan Rogers opened the scoring early in the second half, and Lisandro Martinez was sent off after a second yellow card just over 10 minutes later. That coincided with Cole Palmer scoring from the penalty spot to double Chelsea’s lead.

The result puts even more pressure on Michael Carrick after being given ‘more time’ earlier this week. There could be more reports of uncertainty surrounding his future in the job.

Didn’t take Man Utd fans long to air their frustrations

United were the better team in the first half, but that didn’t stop the away fans from chanting about ownership, Jason Wilcox, and plans to replace Old Trafford with a new 100,000-capacity stadium.

It is clear who the fans blame for the mess the team is in right now. Carrick must take some responsibility, but the board and his players have let him down.

The latest defeat means United are winless in nine matches across all competitions. That’s the type of form that will find us stuck in a relegation battle if results don’t turn around.

Fans were seen leaving the away end with 20 minutes left on the clock, which made it reminiscent of the 4-0 defeat to Como in the Champions League earlier this month.

Andrey Santos’ best 45 minutes in a Man Utd shirt

Before United’s collapse after the break, Andrey Santos was one of Carrick’s best performers. His reading of the game stood out as he sniffed out danger on multiple occasions.

It was easily Santos’ best 45 minutes in a United shirt, but he will be disappointed that his first game back at Stamford Bridge as a former Chelsea player ended in defeat.

Santos was replaced after the hour mark as Carrick reshuffled his team after going down to 10 men.

Man Utd concede after half-time again

Chelsea opened the scoring through Morgan Rogers just four minutes into the second half. The England international breezed through United’s midfield and defence before finishing past Senne Lammens.

United have a horrible habit of conceding early on in the second half, but to make matters worse, they’ve conceded in the second half of every Premier League match this season. Chelsea took advantage of that today and were unlucky not to score more.

To have any chance of winning matches in the future, United need to defend better. And the forwards aren’t scoring anywhere near enough to cope with the number of goals the team is conceding. Not without a recognised centre forward.

Kobbie Mainoo returns

It was an unhappy return for Kobbie Mainoo, with United losing to Chelsea; a silver lining on a bad day at Stamford Bridge. His presence has been missed in midfield, but he wasn’t able to have an impact on the game today.

Mainoo will be aiming to start against Roma and Aston Villa next week. We might see Carrick start a game with Mainoo and Baleba in midfield together for the first time.

It will benefit Mainoo to get some minutes under his belt today. Though he’d prefer having done so by helping the Reds secure three points and ending a miserable run.

Lisandro Martinez lets everyone down

Martinez didn’t cover himself in glory when Rogers breezed through United’s defence for the opening goal, but he went on to receive two yellow cards in the space of two minutes. The second one – which got him sent off and led to Cole Palmer scoring from the penalty spot – was given for an idiotic challenge.

Instead of watching the ball, Martinez brazenly barged into Wesley Fofana. It was a reckless challenge that warranted a penalty and a second yellow card.

In doing this, Martinez let his entire team down, especially Carrick. The head coach couldn’t even look at his defender as he walked off the pitch. This mistake and result only put more pressure on Carrick.

Martinez disgraced the club and himself today. The sooner he leaves, the better.