English League: Manchester United's defeat brings Carrick closer to departure and City suffers second consecutive loss

Michael Carrick’s position as Manchester United’s manager was thrown into doubt after the team’s 2-0 defeat to hosts Chelsea on Saturday in the ninth round of the English Premier League, extending his winless streak to nine matches across all competitions.

The situation was no better for their rivals, league-leading Manchester City, who suffered their second consecutive loss, falling to visitors Brighton with a goal scored by Swedish-born Tunisian international Yassine Bounou in the 11th minute.

Despite the defeat, City remained at the top of the table on goal difference ahead of title rivals Arsenal, who face a fiery clash against hosts Liverpool on Sunday. Meanwhile, Brighton strengthened their position in third place, moving within two points of the leaders.

At Stamford Bridge, the defeat left the 20-time English champions just one point away from the relegation zone, with the risk of finishing the week in the bottom three.

United suffered their second consecutive league loss after falling 3-0 to Bournemouth six days earlier, marking their fourth defeat in their last five matches across all competitions.

Nevertheless, Carrick insisted he expects to remain in charge for Tuesday’s Champions League match against Italian side Roma. “It’s hard to imagine the two halves being more different than they were. We were in a good position before halftime, then we found a way to collapse in the second half,” he said.

Many had expected Carrick to be sacked following the loss to Bournemouth, but he was given another chance to set things right, though he will rue the lack of attacking effectiveness in the first half.

Carrick recalled captain and Portuguese international midfielder Bruno Fernandes to the starting lineup after dropping him last week following his public criticism of the manager’s tactical approach after a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Italian side Como.

After a first half characterized by attacking intent and resilience, the team collapsed after the break against Morgan Rogers (50), who exploited a passive defense, followed by a goal from Cole Palmer, who scored from a penalty awarded after Lisandro Martinez (64) committed the foul.

During one corner kick, the Argentine defender waved his arm at Frenchman Wesley Fofana without looking at the ball, prompting the referee to award a penalty after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Martinez was shown a second yellow card and sent off.

Repeated defensive vulnerabilities overshadowed the visitors’ good attacking intentions, as they were clearly the more dangerous side in the first half.

Their quick breaks could have yielded goals had there not been some haste or a lack of decisive touch (9, 19, 25). Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo also troubled Fofana on two occasions, but failed to find the net (32, 43).

United’s goal by Brazilian Matheus Cunha was disallowed for offside (34).

Chelsea also experienced similar ups and downs on two occasions, through young Brazilian winger Estevao (15, 71), who was highly active in his first start of the season in the league.

Chelsea, managed by Spanish coach Xabi Alonso, moved temporarily to fourth place with 16 points. Alonso said: “My expectations are very high about what this team can deliver, but it needs time. I am confident we will be much better in the last three months of the season.”

In the second match, Manchester City did everything possible against visitors Brighton but failed to compensate for Bounou’s early goal.

Brighton ended their wait for their first away win against City, achieving it on their 18th attempt, boosting their hopes of competing for the title.

The “Seagulls” have never previously won a major trophy, but they have already convincingly beaten this season’s titleholders, Arsenal, signaling their ability to compete with the elite.

The team, managed by German coach Fabian Hürzeler, also restored their pride after losing to Manchester City on penalties in the League Cup on Wednesday.

Dutch international goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen established himself as the star of the match by making numerous saves against City’s attacks in the second half.

The visitors deserved their historic victory, and they were close to extending their lead when Jack Hinshelwood’s shot hit the side netting near the end.

City had won their first seven league matches under Italian manager Enzo Maresca, who began his tenure with a strong start to succeed Spaniard Pep Guardiola. However, the team suffered their first league defeat when they lost 2-1 at home to Aston Villa in the eighth round, before falling today to their second home loss and third defeat across all competitions, following the first against French visitors Paris Saint-Germain (4-2) in the second round of the Champions League. They now face a trip to Germany to play RB Leipzig in the fourth round on Wednesday.

Bournemouth continued their resurgence with a third consecutive win, defeating visitors Leeds United 2-0, with goals from Brazilian Evanilson (31st minute) and Moroccan substitute Amin Sulemana (90+4th minute).

By the same scoreline, Brentford beat visitors Nottingham Forest, with goals from Serbian Nikola Milenković (30th minute, own goal) and Brazilian Igor Thiago (76th minute).

Coventry City deepened the wounds of last-placed visitors Sunderland with a 3-1 victory, thanks to goals from Japanese player Tatsuhiko Sakamoto (17th minute), Nigerian Taiwo Awoniyi (37th minute), and Jack Rudoni (52nd minute), against a goal from Frenchman Enzo Le Fée (67th minute, penalty).

Hull City drew 2-2 with Ipswich Town, with goals from Tim Iroegbunam (58th minute) and Scottish player Oliver McBurnie (68th minute), against two goals from Portuguese player Florentino (22nd minute) and Paraguayan Julio Enciso (74th minute).

Later, Tottenham will play Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa will face Fulham.