Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in one of the most important fixtures of the ninth round of the Premier League, extending the Red Devils' winless run to nine matches and putting Michael Carrick under further pressure.
Both sides entered the contest in difficult circumstances. United had gone eight consecutive games without a win, while Chelsea were also looking to bounce back after their Carabao Cup exit.
Chelsea started on the front foot and created several opportunities. Estêvão briefly thought he had opened the scoring, but his effort was ruled out for offside. At the other end, Bruno Fernandes missed a golden opportunity in the 19th minute, sending his effort high over the crossbar. Matheus Cunha also found the net for United in the 34th minute, but his goal was disallowed for offside. Amad Diallo and Pedro Neto also had chances, but neither could find the breakthrough as the first half ended goalless.
Chelsea made the perfect start to the second half. In the 50th minute, Morgan Rogers produced a brilliant individual run, driving through the heart of United's defence before finding the back of the net to put the hosts ahead.
United's afternoon got even worse in the 63rd minute when Lisandro Martínez was sent off for a handball inside the penalty area. Chelsea were awarded a penalty, and Cole Palmer converted from the spot just a minute later to make it 2-0.
Estêvão appeared to add a third in the 71st minute, but his goal was once again ruled out for a marginal offside.
Manchester United failed to find a response, suffering another damaging defeat. The result marked their ninth consecutive game without a win, intensifying speculation over Carrick's future and raising further questions about his position.
The victory takes Chelsea to 16 points and fourth place in the Premier League table. Manchester United, meanwhile, remain in 16th place with just seven points, as their difficult run continues.
