London, England — Manchester United's difficult season continued on Saturday as Chelsea secured a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge, piling further pressure on head coach Michael Carrick.

Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer scored in the second half to give the Blues all three points, while United defender Lisandro Martínez was sent off during a damaging spell for the visitors.

The defeat extended United's winless run to nine matches in all competitions, leaving the club facing increasing concerns about its league position and Carrick's future.

United waste first-half opportunities

Manchester United started brightly and created several promising opportunities against a Chelsea side looking to regain momentum.

Bruno Fernandes, restored to the starting line-up, had an opportunity to put the visitors ahead but fired over after receiving a pass from Bryan Mbeumo.

Amad Diallo also threatened, forcing Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders into important saves, while Matheus Cunha thought he had broken the deadlock in the 34th minute.

However, his effort was ruled out following a VAR review for offside, allowing Chelsea to escape into the half-time break with the scores level.

United had shown enough attacking promise to suggest they could take something from the encounter, but their inability to convert their chances proved costly.

Rogers breaks the deadlock after the restart

Chelsea returned from the interval with greater intensity and took the lead in the 50th minute.

Morgan Rogers drove through the middle of the United defence before lifting a composed finish over goalkeeper Senne Lammens to make it 1-0.

The goal shifted the momentum firmly in Chelsea's favour, with United struggling to regain control of the contest.

Their situation deteriorated further in the 63rd minute when Martínez was sent off.

The Argentine defender was initially booked for a foul on Rogers before receiving a second yellow card following a VAR review of his challenge on Wesley Fofana inside the penalty area.

The referee awarded Chelsea a penalty, and Palmer stepped forward to convert in the 64th minute, sending Lammens the wrong way to double the home side's advantage.

Chelsea punish 10-man United

With United reduced to 10 players and trailing by two goals, Chelsea controlled the closing stages and managed their advantage.

Carrick's men attempted to find a response, but Chelsea remained organised defensively and limited their opponents' opportunities.

Bryan Mbeumo came close to reducing the deficit in stoppage time, striking the crossbar with an effort from the edge of the penalty area.

However, Chelsea held on to secure a significant home victory and another clean sheet.

Carrick faces mounting pressure

The result represents another setback for Manchester United, who have now gone nine matches without a victory in all competitions.

United's struggles have increased scrutiny on Carrick, whose position is becoming increasingly uncertain following the team's disappointing run.

The Red Devils are now dangerously close to the Premier League relegation zone, with their position leaving little room for further mistakes.

Chelsea, meanwhile, moved into the top four provisionally with the victory, giving Xabi Alonso's side a much-needed boost.

Manchester United must now turn their attention to their next assignment, with AS Roma scheduled to visit Old Trafford for a UEFA Champions League fixture on Tuesday.