Michael Carrick's position as Manchester United manager is looking increasingly untenable following a dismal start to the season.
Manchester United have won two of 13 games in all competitions -- both at home, to Ipswich Town and Sabah -- keeping just one clean sheet in the process.
While results have been alarming, performances have been worse, and United have lost three in succession in all competitons after chastening defeats to Como, Bournemouth and now Chelsea.
The latest setback at Stamford Bridge extends the Red Devils' winless run to nine matches, which is the longest sequence without a win in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
United actually managed to hold their own in the first half against Chelsea, but once again they were the architects of their own downfall. Carrick's rearguard pretty much allowed Morgan Rogers to walk into their penalty area before opening the scoring, and Lisandro Martinez then saw red for an inexplicable elbow which enabled Cole Palmer to dispatch from the spot.
United's woes may still get worse with a tough set of fixtures on the horizon, including the visit of Roma in the UEFA Champions League and Premier League encounters with Aston Villa and Liverpool.
Next Man Utd Manager Odds
(Odds will display when market is available)
Market settled on Manchester United's manager on 1st January 2027.
Carrick was initially installed as the 6/4 favourite to retain the backing of the board by 1st January -- with a lack of suitable alternatives working in his favour -- but former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe led the betting as the odds-on favouriteon 27th October.
But confirmation that Carrick would take charge of the game against Chelsea resulted in the incumbent's price tumble from 12/1 on Sunday back into odds-on favouritism just 48 hours later.
Carrick is still favourite to retain his job by the start of January despite the loss to Chelsea.
What perhaps aids his cause is that the club are seemingly unwilling to appoint an interim head coach, and the primary available contenders all have big question marks around them.
Howe's ceiling was seemingly seen at Newcastle, and with United lacking the profiles the former Bournemouth boss would presumably like all while juggling European football makes Howe a gamble, even if he'd bring the most stability in the short term.
Antonio Conte, despite his achievements elsewhere, brings a lot of volatility and attention the board could do without, while Julian Nagelsmann doesn't have all that much credit in the bank having been sacked by Bayern and resigning as Germany head coach in the summer.
Odds displayed correct at time of publishing and subject to change or withdrawal at any time.
