Chelsea beat 10-man Manchester United 2-0 as Carrick's crisis deepens

Chelsea beat Manchester United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 31, moving back into the Premier League's top four and deepening the crisis around United manager Michael Carrick.

The defeat extended United's run without a win to nine games and left them close to the relegation zone.

How the game turned

United had the better of a goalless first half but failed to take their chances. Bruno Fernandes, Amad and Matheus Cunha all missed good opportunities to put the visitors ahead.

Chelsea struck shortly after the restart. Romeo Lavia won the ball in midfield and found Morgan Rogers about 35 yards from goal. Rogers went past Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez before lifting the ball over United goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

The game was effectively settled when Martínez, already booked, made a rash challenge, conceding a penalty and receiving a second yellow card. Cole Palmer converted the spot kick for his 50th Premier League goal for Chelsea, in his 105th appearance.

United still had a chance to get back into it late on, but Chelsea goalkeeper Penders produced a superb fingertip save to push Bryan Mbeumo's volley onto the crossbar.

Over the match, Chelsea had 59 percent of possession and 19 shots to United's 12.

Two clubs heading in different directions

For Xabi Alonso's Chelsea, the win continues their push for Champions League qualification.

For United, it is another painful afternoon in a season that has gone badly wrong. A team expected to challenge for European places is instead looking nervously over its shoulder, and pressure on Carrick is mounting with each winless week. Their attacking players are creating chances; the problem, again, was finishing them and avoiding costly errors at the back.

What's next

United's next league fixture is now a must-win to stop the slide. Chelsea will look to build on the result and consolidate their place in the top four as the season approaches the November international break.