Chelsea took full advantage of Manchester United’s second-half collapse to condemn the visitors to a third straight loss and heap yet more pressure on Michael Carrick.
United are now without a win in nine games in all competitions, their longest such run since October-November 1988.
A fourth Premier League defeat of the season leaves United 16th, a point above the relegation zone, with under-fire boss Carrick in an increasingly precarious position just days after being given the chance turn things around following a dismal start to the campaign.
After an encouraging first-half performance, United allowed Morgan Rogers to saunter unchallenged through the heart of the defence to dink home the opener for Chelsea five minutes after the break.
Cole Palmer doubled the hosts’ lead from the penalty spot 14 minutes later after the video assistant referee spotted Lisandro Martinez, not looking at the ball, thrust an arm into the face of Wesley Fofana.
As a result, Martinez was sent off for a second yellow card and, once Palmer converted the spot kick, the game was all but over as a contest.
It could have been worse for the away side as Chelsea winger Estevao, handed his first league start of the season by Xabi Alonso, smashed in a third, only for it to be ruled out for a marginal offside.
United had had the ball in the back of the net themselves during a promising first 45 minutes but Matheus Cunha’s close-range header was checked by VAR and eventually disallowed for offside.
The recalled Bruno Fernandes also put a good chance over, while Amad Diallo twice failed to convert with just Chelsea keeper Mike Penders to beat – but United failed to maintain that level in the second half.
There had been a smattering of boos for Chelsea at half-time but they eased the displeasure with a much-improved showing after the break.
Rogers, aided by the most generous of United defending, gave them the initial boost they needed before Martinez’s two bookings in the space of three minutes, leading to Palmer’s penalty, put them in complete control.
They could, and perhaps should, have added to their advantage with the lively Estevao coming close and substitute Valentin Barco missing a glorious late chance.
United forward Bryan Mbeumo thundered a shot against the bar in stoppage time but while Carrick’s side could end the weekend in the bottom three, Chelsea are up to fourth. (BBC Sport)
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