Carrick future LIVE: Man Utd boss facing sack after Chelsea defeat as Nagelsmann 'contacted'

Michael Carrick is on the brink, yet again, after Manchester United imploded against Chelsea. Carrick looked to have got a reaction out of the Reds after they were the better team at Stamford Bridge in the first half.

They would have gone into half-time with a 1-0 lead had Matheus Cunha not been fractionally offside when he tapped in from close range. However, the Reds fell asleep after the break and allowed Morgan Rogers to prance through their back line and scoop the opening goal over Senne Lammens.

United looked to still be in the contest, until Lisandro Martinez brainlessly pushed Wesley Fofana over while marking him, resulting in a penalty and a second yellow card being awarded. After Cole Palmer squeezed his penalty through Lammens, Chelsea eased their way to a 2-0 win.

With Carrick enduring a ninth consecutive match in all competitions without a victory, he appears to be on the brink of the sack after last week's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann have been heavily linked with the job, though reports on Saturday claimed the latter has been 'contacted' and sounded out over potentially taking over at Juventus, presenting a possible problem for United chiefs.

Bryan Mbeumo does not believe the Manchester United players let Michael Carrick down today.

When asked by TNT Sports, he replied: "No, obviously not. I think the mentality was there right from the first minute. Harder with 10 men. We still trust everyone. With the men down, we still had some frustrations at the end. But I think we have done everything as a team today.

Manchester United began the weekend in 16th place - they are in danger of sinking into the bottom three.

They are level on points with Crystal Palace (17th) and are just one point above Nottingham Forest (18th) and Coventry City (19th),

Juventus have reportedly reached out to Julian Nagelsmann about the prospect of taking over. The German has been one of the main candidates to become the next Manchester United manager.

Michael Carrick made his feelings clear about Lisandro Martinez after the Manchester United defender was sent off.

Michael Carrick has approached the travelling Manchester United fans, as he has done the last few times. Similarly to last week against Bournemouth, they offered the former United midfielder a warm embrace.

Disappointment is etched all over his face, particularly as the Reds were firmly in the game against the west Londoners before Lisandro Martinez's silly second yellow card.

Chelsea have handed Manchester United and Michael Carrick their fourth loss in five matches. Morgan Rogers' fine individual strike and Cole Palmer's penalty saw the Blues win 2-0.

United defender Lisandro Martinez imploded in the second half, conceding a brainless foul which not only led to Palmer's penalty, but it also resulted in him being sent off. It was a dagger to Carrick's heart, particularly as United were the better team in the opening 45 minutes.

Considering United could drop into the bottom three if results go against them, it's perhaps safe to assume Carrick's position is under even more threat.