Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has criticised his players for starting too slowly in the 2-1 loss to Manchester United.

The Blues tasted defeat for the first time this season at the hands of their old foes, and they caused their own downfall, according to the head coach.

Robert Sanchez was sent off a few minutes in, allowing United to take control, and a two-goal lead.

Casemiro was dismissed for the hosts, evening things up on the field, but a late Trevoh Chalobah strike was not enough to rescue any points.

Speaking after the game, Maresca said: “The red card changed the game after three minutes.

“After the red card for them, 10 v 10, it changed the game for us. We needed to start in a better way.

“It’s a red card. [We should have had] a penalty for Joao.”

After the red card, Estevao Willian, Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer were all sacrificed so Chelsea could change formations to match United.

It drew criticism from pundits and fans, but Maresca defended his decision.

He added: “They attack with five players so the idea was to defend with five players. You can defend with four at 11 v 11. The game probably changed after they conceded the red card also with Casemiro. We were much better.

“Cole this morning did a test to play this game. He was not 100%. It was a fantastic effort for the club, for his team-mates, for the team. Unfortunately he was not 100%.

“We need to start the game better. We cannot concede a red card at Old Trafford after three minutes.”