**Chelsea returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, extending Michael Carrick’s side’s winless run to nine matches in all competitions.**
Morgan Rogers broke the deadlock shortly after half-time before Cole Palmer doubled Chelsea’s advantage from the penalty spot. United defender Lisandro Martínez was sent off for a second bookable offence following a VAR review, leaving the visitors with 10 men as Xabi Alonso’s side secured three points.
Manchester United created the better opportunities in an entertaining first half. Captain Bruno Fernandes wasted a clear chance in the 19th minute, firing over after Bryan Mbeumo released him behind Chelsea’s defence.
Chelsea thought they had taken the lead when Estêvão converted a rebound from Pedro Neto’s effort, but the Brazilian was flagged offside. United also had a goal ruled out in the 34th minute when Matheus Cunha turned in Harry Maguire’s header, only for VAR to confirm an offside infringement.
United continued to threaten, with Amad Diallo forcing Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders into action before lifting another promising opportunity over the crossbar. At the other end, Chelsea came closest when Levi Colwill’s header deflected off Moisés Caicedo and struck the post.
The breakthrough arrived five minutes after the restart. Chelsea midfielder Roméo Lavia won possession and released Rogers, who drove through United’s defence before calmly lifting the ball over Senne Lammens.
United’s afternoon deteriorated when Martínez received his first booking in the 59th minute for pulling back Rogers. Four minutes later, the Argentine challenged Wesley Fofana inside the penalty area, prompting a VAR review. The referee awarded Chelsea a penalty and showed Martínez a second yellow card.
Palmer stepped up in the 64th minute and converted despite Lammens getting a hand to his effort, giving Chelsea a two-goal advantage.
The hosts almost added a third when Estêvão finished emphatically following Palmer’s pass, but another VAR review ruled the Brazilian offside. Lammens later denied him again with a sharp save.
Manchester United nearly pulled one back in stoppage time when Mbeumo struck a powerful volley from the edge of the area, but Penders tipped the effort onto the crossbar.
Chelsea comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to end their two-match losing streak, while another defeat increased the pressure on Carrick following United’s difficult start to the season.