Manchester United’s winless run reached nine matches in all competitions after a 2–0 defeat at Chelsea on Saturday, leaving Michael Carrick without the result he needed after receiving the board’s backing.

The loss at Stamford Bridge, in the ninth round of Premier League fixtures, followed a heavy home defeat by Bournemouth in the previous round. United have won only once in the league this season and went into the Chelsea match just one point above the relegation zone.

Their nine-match sequence comprises six defeats and three draws. The concern is therefore not simply another unsuccessful afternoon, but a prolonged failure to win, with little margin separating United from the bottom three before kick-off.

The board had opted to retain Carrick despite the poor results, giving him another opportunity to change the team’s fortunes. That decision offered continuity, but the defeat at Chelsea provided no immediate improvement in results.

Carrick’s future remains unresolved. The backing he received before the match established the board’s position at that stage; it did not settle how long he would be given to end the run. No subsequent decision is detailed in the available account.