Manchester United's English head coach Michael Carrick gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on October 31, 2026
Manchester United's English head coach Michael Carrick gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on October 31, 2026
Michael Carrick is on the brink, yet again, after Manchester United imploded against Chelsea. Carrick looked to have got a reaction out of the Reds after they were the better team at Stamford Bridge in the first half.
They would have gone into half-time with a 1-0 lead had Matheus Cunha not been fractionally offside when he tapped in from close range. However, the Reds fell asleep after the break and allowed Morgan Rogers to prance through their back line and scoop the opening goal over Senne Lammens.
United looked to still be in the contest, until Lisandro Martinez brainlessly pushed Wesley Fofana over while marking him, resulting in a penalty and a second yellow card being awarded. After Cole Palmer squeezed his penalty through Lammens, Chelsea eased their way to a 2-0 win.
With Carrick enduring a ninth consecutive match in all competitions without a victory, he appears to be on the brink of the sack after last week's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have been heavily linked with the job, though reports on Saturday claimed the latter has been 'contacted' and sounded out over potentially taking over at Juventus, presenting a possible problem for United chiefs.
As updates continue to pour in, Mirror Football will be over all of the latest news and updates regarding Carrick's future.
Key Events
Bryan Mbeumo does not believe the Manchester United players let Michael Carrick down today.
When asked by TNT Sports, he replied: "No, obviously not. I think the mentality was there right from the first minute. Harder with 10 men. We still trust everyone. With the men down, we still had some frustrations at the end. But I think we have done everything as a team today.
"Maybe today we just missed some chances. We could have been up early in the game, but that's a positive to take out of this game."
Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 31, 2026 in London, England
Mbeumo spoke to the media after losing to Chelsea(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Manchester United began the weekend in 16th place - they are in danger of sinking into the bottom three.
They are level on points with Crystal Palace (17th) and are just one point above Nottingham Forest (18th) and Coventry City (19th),
Even rock bottom Sunderland are only two points behind United.
Manchester United's English head coach Michael Carrick looks on during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on October 31, 2026
United could fall into the relegation zone(Image: AFP or licensors)
Juventus have reportedly reached out to Julian Nagelsmann about the prospect of taking over. The German has been one of the main candidates to become the next Manchester United manager.
However, if United are still interested, they may need to act fast as the German has been contacted by the Old Lady, according to Italian reporter Rudy Galetti. He is reportedly a target to replace Luciano Spalletti, who is under intense pressure at the Bianconeri.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 29: Julian Nagelsmann of Germany coach reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Boston Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)(Image: Getty Images)
Michael Carrick made his feelings clear about Lisandro Martinez after the Manchester United defender was sent off.
When the Argentine was dismissed for a second yellow card, after he struck Wesley Fofana in the face, Carrick refused to even look at the World Cup winner. Instead, he put his head down into his notebook while talking alongside his coaches.
Michael Carrick, head coach of Manchester United, makes notes as Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United leaves the pitch following a red card during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 31, 2026 in London, England
Carrick refused to even look at Martinez(Image: 2026 James Gill - Danehouse)
Michael Carrick has approached the travelling Manchester United fans, as he has done the last few times. Similarly to last week against Bournemouth, they offered the former United midfielder a warm embrace.
Disappointment is etched all over his face, particularly as the Reds were firmly in the game against the west Londoners before Lisandro Martinez's silly second yellow card.
Bruno Fernandes received a colder reception when he approached them, one week on from blasting Carrick's tactics in the wake of the 4-1 away loss to Como in the Champions League.
Chelsea 2-0 Manchester United
Chelsea have handed Manchester United and Michael Carrick their fourth loss in five matches. Morgan Rogers' fine individual strike and Cole Palmer's penalty saw the Blues win 2-0.
United defender Lisandro Martinez imploded in the second half, conceding a brainless foul which not only led to Palmer's penalty, but it also resulted in him being sent off. It was a dagger to Carrick's heart, particularly as United were the better team in the opening 45 minutes.
Considering United could drop into the bottom three if results go against them, it's perhaps safe to assume Carrick's position is under even more threat.
Manchester United's English head coach Michael Carrick reacts on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on October 31, 2026. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /