Michael Carrick in the Man United dugout
Manchester United made it nine matches without a win for the first time since 1988 as they suffered a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea.
Undone by a flash of genius and moment of stupidity, the loss leaves United boss Michael Carrick clinging to his job despite overseeing an encouraging opening half by his team.
Morgan Rogers3
A moment of magic from Morgan Rogers set Chelsea on their way to a crucial three points
United, who saw a first-half goal from Matheus Cunha chalked off for offside, wasted a hatful of chances with Amad Diallo guilty of two gilt-edged misses.
At the other end, Estevao, handed his first Premier League start of the season, also saw his effort ruled out.
Pedro Neto dragged his close-range effort wide as the half drew to a close.
The game sprang to life in a frantic 13-minutes period early in the second half.
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A moment of brilliance
A wonderful solo run and finish from Morgan Rogers fired Xabi Alonso’s side in front.
The England international continued his excellent start to the season with his sixth goal in 12 games for the Blues.
If Carrick’s side didn’t already have a mountain to climb then their cause was made even harder when Lisandro Martinez was given his marching orders shortly after the hour.
Initially booked in the 59th minute, the Argentine was brandished a second yellow card for an inexplicable elbow on Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana just 82 seconds later.
Carrick, staring at yet another defeat, opted not to feast his eyes on Martinez as he trudged down the Stamford Bridge tunnel.
talkSPORT's Stuart Pearce who was at Stamford Bridge on commentary duties was less than impressed by the World Cup winner's actions.
Lisandro martinez3
Lisandro Martinez was dismissed after receiving two bookings in 82 seconds
Pearce said: "He's lost his head. He's just making rash decisions. Since the (Rogers) goal, Martinez's performance has been absolutely shocking.
"I'm not sure I've seen a worse 20 minutes from a player."
United’s second-half implosion was then capped off when Cole Palmer converted the resulting penalty to see off the Red Devils.
Carrick’s side were given a reprieve when Estevao saw yet another expertly-taken finish ruled out for offside.
Despite yet another game without a win and further doom and gloom clouding the Old Trafford club, fans remained in full voice until the final whistle.
Unwanted record
The defeat sees United reach an unwanted 38-year record sparked by their startling winless run.
Michael Carrick in the Man United dugout3
Carrick cut a forlorn figure in the Man United dugout
The club’s nine matches without victory equals a similar run under Sir Alex Ferguson in 1988.
And it is a run that could be further extended over the next week with the vist of in-form Serie A side Roma in the Champions League in midweek.
Then, Aston Villa head to Old Trafford next Sunday in a pivotal Premier League clash.
United provisionally sit 16th in the table but could end the weekend in the bottom three if results go against them.
For Carrick, his race may well be run in the Old Trafford dugout but not in the hearts of the travelling support who let the under pressure manager know just where their loyalties lie.