Manchester United hit nine-game winless run after Chelsea defeat as fans turn on ownership

Abdullateef Fowewe

Manchester United’s miserable start to the 2026-27 season deepened on Saturday with a 2-0 loss at Chelsea, extending their winless streak to nine games in all competitions, the club’s longest such run since 1988.

The Red Devils have managed only two victories all season: a 4-0 Champions League win over Sabah and a 5-2 Premier League thrashing of Ipswich Town.

Under manager Michael Carrick, they sit near the bottom of the Premier League table after nine matches with a record of one win, four draws and four defeats.

The defeat at Stamford Bridge featured a second-half collapse.

Chelsea scored through Morgan Rogers and a Cole Palmer penalty, while United were reduced to 10 men after Lisandro Martinez received a red card.

Many travelling supporters left early in frustration, though some remained to back the players and Carrick.

United’s poor form has fuelled growing discontent with the club’s ownership.

Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family have faced sustained criticism from fans over results, decision-making and plans for a new stadium rather than a full redevelopment of Old Trafford.

During recent matches, including the home defeat to Bournemouth and the trip to Chelsea, sections of the support directed angry chants at the hierarchy.

Among them, “You can stick your new stadium up your arse.”

“Jim Ratcliffe’s a c***, Ratcliffe’s a c***, just like the Glazers, Ratcliffe’s a c***.”

The protests reflect wider unhappiness with the direction of the club under Ratcliffe’s Ineos-led football operations, which took day-to-day control after his minority investment.

Fans have repeatedly called for change at board level even while showing support for Carrick in the stands.

Pressure continues to mount on all sides as United prepare for their next fixtures, with the team still searching for a first win in over a month.