Michael Carrick gave an interesting response when asked whether Manchester United are in a relegation battle to stay in the Premier League.

On Saturday afternoon, United were beaten once again as goals from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer secured a 2-0 win for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

During what was a miserable second half, United were reduced to 10 men when Lisandro Martinez was sent off after collecting two yellow cards.

As a result of the defeat against Chelsea, United are now 17th in the Premier League table, just outside of the bottom three on goal difference.

Michael Carrick on Whether Manchester United Are in a Relegation Battle

Speaking during his post-match press conference at Stamford Bridge, Carrick, who is now under huge pressure, was asked whether United have to brace themselves for a potential relegation battle.

As reported by GOAL, Carrick stated that United have to ‘keep moving forward’. He said: “We have got to keep moving forward and winning games, simple as that.

“There's no words that I'm going to explain to you now that makes it any difference; it's not going to change it. We've got to move forward and win football matches; it's as simple as that.”

Carrick was then asked whether there would be a stigma around United dropping into the relegation zone, to which he replied:

Michael Carrick on Manchester United's First-Half Performance vs Chelsea

In truth, United produced a much-improved display during the first half, with the likes of Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes all wasting chances to make it 1-0.

Speaking about his team’s first-half performance, Carrick saw positives, stating it was the best his players have done ‘in some time’.

He said: “I think it was as good as we've played for some time, I think, in the first half. Yeah, but that's the way it goes.

“That's the swings, and that's what you've got to deal with. Got to capitalise when things are going well and sums it up, you know, you get that when you're having a run like we are.

“We looked dangerous, we looked fluid, we looked like a good team and, as I said, we looked really dangerous. Could, should have scored one or two, maybe three even with the chances and the spaces that we created, and then the game gets away from us.

“Some decisions, I've not seen back, so I don't know if it was or not (a sending off). He's obviously gone to it, and the referee gave that decision, but it's a big moment in the game. The second half got away from us, which is something we've got to deal with, you know.”

Looking ahead, United will return to action on Tuesday night when they take on Italian Serie A side Roma in the Champions League at Old Trafford.