Manchester United’s struggles show no sign of easing after they suffered another defeat, losing 2-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the opening fixture of the ninth round of the Premier League.

The visitors arrived in west London on a six-match winless run, hoping to turn their fortunes around. For much of the first half, Manchester United looked the more dangerous side and even found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

However, United could not maintain that level after the break. Chelsea gradually took control, and the breakthrough came when Rogers burst into the penalty area and beat Altay Bayindir to put the hosts ahead.

The visitors’ task became even harder when Lisandro Martinez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for striking Wesley Fofana in the face. The referee also awarded Chelsea a penalty, handing the home side a golden opportunity to seal the result.

Cole Palmer stepped up and struck with tremendous power. United goalkeeper Senne Lammens got a hand to the ball, but could not keep it out as Palmer’s effort flew into the net.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for Chelsea, while Manchester United’s miserable run continued. Despite an encouraging first-half display, the visitors were undone after the break by a decisive goal, a costly red card and Palmer’s penalty.

2026-27, England - Premier League

Chelsea - Man United 2:0 (0:0)
Goals: Rogers M., 50 (1:0); Palmer Co., 64 (penalty) (2:0)

Chelsea: Penders; Palestra (Chavarría, 74); Acheampong J. K.; Fofana W.; Colwill; Lavia; Palmer Co. (Quenda, 97); Caicedo M. (Welbeck, 87); Estêvão (Gusto, 87); Rogers M.; Pedro Neto (Barco, 87)
Substitution: Chavarría (from 74); Gusto (from 87); Barco (from 87); Welbeck (from 87); Quenda (from 97)
Bench: Sharman-Lowe; Emegha
Yellow Cards: Penders 93

Man United: Lammens; Martínez Li. (till 63); Yoro; Dalot; Maguire; Baleba (Mainoo, 58); Andrey Santos (Heaven, 66); Fernandes B.; Mbeumo; Cunha (Mount, 66); Diallo (Zirkzee, 77)
Substitution: Mainoo (from 58); Heaven (from 66); Mount (from 66); Zirkzee (from 77)
Bench: Darlow; de Ligt; Mazraoui; Tielemans; Lacey
Yellow Cards: Martínez Li. 59, 63; Maguire 65; Mainoo 70; Mbeumo 81; Zirkzee 88
Red cards: Martínez Li. 63'