Manchester United’s disappointing start to the Premier League season continued with a 2-0 defeat away to Chelsea, leaving them joint 18th in the table with just seven points from nine matches.

The first half was evenly contested, with both sides having goals ruled out for offside. Bruno Fernandes, restored to the starting XI, missed a good opportunity, while Matheus Cunha and Amad also failed to make their chances count.

However, United struggled after the break, with Morgan Rogers opening the scoring in the 50th minute with an impressive solo effort.

Things went from bad to worse for the visitors when Lisandro Martínez was sent off after receiving two yellow cards in quick succession. He also conceded a penalty, which Cole Palmer converted to put Chelsea 2-0 ahead.

Chelsea looked to add a third through Estevão, but his effort was ruled out for offside. The hosts comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to secure a deserved victory and leave United facing further questions over their poor start to the season.

Like most of the squad so far this season, Lisandro Martínez has endured a torrid start to the 2026/27 campaign, despite performing well for Argentina at the World Cup as they made it all the way to the final.

While United enjoyed a promising first half against Chelsea, the Argentine's sending off completely derailed that momentum as United looked to battle back from going a goal down with there still being plenty of time left in the game.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Gary Neville gave a damning assessment of the defender, saying he's no longer surprised by the 28-year-old's poor performances.

"That’s what I expect from him, to be honest with you, that’s what I see.

"I said the other week – and you’ve got to respect that he is a World Cup winner – but every time I watch him for Manchester United, he is at fault for a goal, and he was at fault for two yesterday. The first goal is solely on him. I know the midfield could do better, but Harry Maguire has to go and watch that run, and he has to come across.

"If I was giving away the goals that he is giving away, I wouldn’t be doing interviews. And to be fair, I wouldn’t be speaking out, because I have to say, I would be curled up in a ball, if I was playing like that for Manchester United."

After Martínez picked up his quick-fire double bookings, Michael Carrick didn't even look at the centre-back as he walked down the tunnel, knowing that the Argentine's actions could have cost United a crucial point or an unlikely three after a good first half.

The 28-year-old already finds himself on his second chance at United, after his post-match outburst at the club and Jason Wilcox after a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid, and after the performance against Chelsea, it's quickly becoming apparent that, while the message was a right one, perhaps the messenger wasn't.

Unfortunately for Carrick, though, much like what happened a few weeks ago, the centre-back may find himself immediately back in the fold on Tuesday due to the squad's lack of centre-back options.

Leny Yoro has had to deputise at right-back while Diogo Dalot does the same at left-back; Matthijs de Ligt is back in the first team, though he hasn't featured since United's loss in Como; and Ayden Heaven may be too inexperienced to start Champions League fixtures.

With just six months left on his current deal and no indication the club will activate the one-year extension, some may think Martínez has downed tools at United after his sending-off against Chelsea, as he is free to negotiate with other clubs in January.

Ultimately, United must be at their best on Tuesday against Roma, as they find themselves outside the elimination phase on goal difference alone.