United slip towards the relegation zone: can Carrick survive until the Roma clash?

A surprising statement despite the wave of defeats

Manchester United stumbled once again in the Premier League, slipping to a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea in the ninth round at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

The slide down the table shows no sign of ending. United sit 17th on 7 points, with just one win and four draws to their name. Saturday's loss to Chelsea was their fourth of the season in the league.

United were markedly better in the first half, but a blunt attack cost them as the visitors spurned a string of chances to go ahead. Morgan Rogers sliced through their defence with ease to open the scoring early in the second half. Lisandro Martinez then collected two quick yellow cards and conceded a penalty, which Cole Palmer tucked away to snuff out any hope of a comeback.

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Asked by TNT Sports whether he expected to stay in charge for the next game against Roma in the Champions League, Carrick refused to shy away. "Yes, we have to push on. We have to take the things we felt worked for us today, and draw some belief and confidence from them, and a lot of good things, especially in the first half."

This is United's longest winless run in 38 years, and it leaves them just a point above the Premier League relegation zone.

"Having been in a very good position in the first half, the two halves of the match could perhaps not be more contrasting in some respects," Carrick added. "I think the way they approached it and played, the quality of football and the way we played in the first half, certainly give encouragement. We have to build on that."

Two defeats in their first three Champions League matches have dropped United to 20th in the 36-team league phase table. The knockout rounds now look a serious risk.

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