Manchester United lost 2-0 at Chelsea on 31 October in round 9 of the Premier League, extending their run without a win to 9 games in all competitions. According to VnExpress and the Guardian, it is the club's worst spell since 1988. Even so, the Guardian reports that Michael Carrick is poised to stay in charge for the Champions League game against Roma at Old Trafford.
Undone after the break
United were the better side in the first half, but Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo missed chances. Morgan Rogers ran through to score on 50 minutes, and on 63 Lisandro Martinez was sent off for a second yellow card after fouling Wesley Fofana in the box, with Cole Palmer converting the penalty. Dan Tri reports that captain Fernandes left the pitch in tears.
Expected goals (xG) figures cited by VnExpress and Dan Tri, compiled by KBVN+:
| Half | Man Utd xG | Chelsea xG |
|---|---|---|
| First half | 1.09 | 0.28 |
| Second half | 0.08 | 2.33 |
VnExpress notes that United have conceded 15 goals in 9 league games, have not kept a league clean sheet and have failed to score in 4. They are 7 league games without a win, their only league victory being a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town in late August. The Guardian says they are 17th, above the relegation zone only on goal difference.
Carrick's position
The 45-year-old came close to losing his job earlier in the week, when director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada met to discuss his future, according to the Guardian, but they decided to give him a chance to turn things around. Sky Sports, citing the Athletic, says he will get at least two more matches, and the Guardian expects his position to be reviewed during the November international break. After the defeat Carrick said: "We’ve got to move forward and win matches, it’s as simple as that."
The Guardian reports that Eddie Howe is Wilcox's preferred candidate if Carrick goes, at a cost of about £3m in compensation to Newcastle, while recruitment director Christopher Vivell rates Julian Nagelsmann highly. On Sky Sports, Gary Neville said: "It feels like the club is stuck in a rut."
What comes next
United host Roma on Tuesday 3 November (UK time) in matchday 4 of the Champions League league phase, then Aston Villa on 8 November in round 10. VTV notes that a trip to Anfield follows the international break.