Manchester United were better than in recent weeks as they took on Chelsea on Saturday. Then the second half started. United fell a goal behind just five minutes after the restart and were 2-0 and a man down shortly after the hour mark. It could have got even worse, too, with Estevao straying offside by the tightest of margins before scoring what he thought was Chelsea's third goal. That will matter little to Michael Carrick, though, with the result the only important thing for United's boss. Defeat leaves his team on seven points from nine league games - by way of comparison, they had 11 from nine games when Erik ten Hag was sacked in 2024.

Next up for United is a Champions League match against Roma. European football will offer some respite from the league misery, though things haven't been much better on the continent. They did at least win their home opener against Sabah - the last United win in any competition, all the way back on September 10 - but were well beaten away from home against Atletico Madrid and Como. If they fail to beat both Roma and Aston Villa, their next league opponents, then the winless run will stretch to two months.

Carrick remains in place for now, but that could be the final straw. However, even if he carried on in the role, the former Middlesbrough boss may feel there are some players he can no longer trust.

There are still some who have clearly been doing their part. Amad terrorised Wesley Fofana in the first half and was unlucky not to get more reward for his efforts, while Bryan Mbeumo was denied late on by a fingertip save from Mike Penders.

Those two can hold their heads relatively high after this and other recent outings. That's not something you can say about all of United's players, though - here are the trio who have given Carrick some serious problems.

Lisandro Martinez

"The second goal and losing a man at that stage had a big influence on it, for sure," Carrick said. He shook his head when asked if he felt the defender had let him down, but some of those watching from a neutral perspective saw things differently.

Whether you agree with Martinez's vocal criticisms post-Atletico is one thing. Your stance on his red card at Chelsea is a different conversation.

He was under no pressure when he struck Fofana inside the United area, and it was a mindless decision, even ignoring the fact that he was on a yellow card. With his team up against it, Carrick can't afford players who could throw plans up in smoke at any given moment.

Carrick brought captain Fernandes back into the fold on Saturday after dropping him to the bench for the defeat at home to Bournemouth. Fernandes had been vocal in his criticism after the defeat at Bournemouth, but clear-the-air talks looked to have done the job.

"He's the one that's led the team so well for many a game and many a year, and he'll continue to do that. There are absolutely no issues with that," the boss said.

The bigger issue after Saturday's reverse might be Fernandes' on-field presence. He was largely anonymous against Chelsea, save for one wayward shot when played through by Mbeumo, leading some fans to speculate that the skipper wants out.

Carrick 'takes responsibility' as position hangs in balance

Mason Mount

Mount didn't have the best opportunity to make an impact in the Chelsea game. By the time he came on against his former club, United were two goals and one man down and largely in damage limitation mode.

There is a reason he started the game on the bench, though. The England international has started three games in all competitions this season and United have lost all three, conceding 10 goals in the process.

Injuries have taken their toll on Mount in recent seasons and he will be as frustrated as anyone at having been unable to make his mark during a period in which he has been fit and available. However, it appears Carrick might no longer consider him to be someone he can turn to when the chips are down.

EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy