LONDON : Manchester United manager Michael Carrick came under mounting pressure after his side suffered a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday, extending their winless run to nine matches in all competitions.
Second-half goals from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer secured victory for Chelsea, who climbed to fourth in the Premier League standings with 16 points.
United, meanwhile, remained provisionally 16th with seven points from nine matches, just one point above the relegation zone.
Carrick had retained the board’s backing despite consecutive heavy defeats to Bournemouth in the Premier League and Como in the Champions League.
United started brightly at Stamford Bridge, with captain Bruno Fernandes returning to the starting lineup following a disagreement with Carrick.
However, Fernandes, Matheus Cunha and Amad failed to convert promising opportunities, while Cunha also had a goal ruled out for offside.
Chelsea punished the visitors four minutes after halftime when Rogers surged through United’s defence before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
United’s task became harder in the 63rd minute when Lisandro Martinez received a second yellow card after fouling Wesley Fofana inside the penalty area.
Palmer converted the resulting penalty despite Lammens getting a hand to the ball.
Chelsea supporters taunted Carrick with chants of “You’ll be sacked in the morning” as United’s miserable run continued, raising further questions about the former midfielder’s future at Old Trafford.
