Chelsea increased the pressure on Michael Carrick after beating Manchester United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Morgan Rogers opened the scoring early in the second half before Cole Palmer converted a penalty after Lisandro Martinez was sent off. The result extended United’s winless run to nine matches in all competitions.
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Manchester United created the better chances in the first half but failed to take advantage.
Bruno Fernandes fired over from a good position, while Amad Diallo was twice denied by goalkeeper Mike Penders.
The missed opportunities proved costly after the break.
Rogers broke through the United defence five minutes into the second half and lifted his finish over Senne Lammens to give the hosts the lead.
Martinez red card changes the game
United’s problems deepened when Martinez received a second yellow card following a VAR review.
The defender had been booked only minutes earlier for a foul on Rogers before raising an arm towards Wesley Fofana inside the penalty area.
Palmer scored from the resulting spot-kick to double Chelsea’s advantage and put the game beyond United.
Estevao later had a goal ruled out for offside as the home side pushed for a third.
Carrick under growing pressure
The defeat leaves Manchester United without a win in nine matches, their longest such run since 1984.
United are also just one point above the relegation zone and have failed to win any of their first seven away matches in all competitions this season.
Carrick admitted his side allowed the game to slip away after the interval, despite an encouraging first-half performance.
The result is likely to increase scrutiny over his future as head coach.
Chelsea climb into fourth
For Chelsea, the win moved them above Liverpool into fourth place in the Premier League table.
The result also delivered a rare clean sheet at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues winning a home league game without conceding for the first time in 13 matches.
Palmer’s penalty was his 50th Premier League goal for Chelsea, reached in his 105th appearance.
