As David Luiz stood in conversation with Marcos Alonso during a stoppage in play shortly after Manchester United’s first goal, it was clear the Chelsea blame game was already well under way.

Chelsea fans later revolted against head coach Maurizio Sarri, singing ‘f--- Sarri-ball’ and chanting the name of former midfielder Frank Lampard. But the players cannot be allowed to get off the hook.

There was head shaking, shrugging of shoulders and outstretched arms, as Luiz and Alonso appeared to debate just who was at fault for Ander Herrera’s opener.

Minutes later, Luiz had his arms outstretched asking how United had been allowed to double their lead on the stroke of half-time.

This group of Chelsea players might keep trying to tell us they are not an impossible group to pull together, but it is increasingly clear they cannot manage themselves.

John Terry was in the Chelsea media lounge before the game and he must have been among those wondering where the Stamford Bridge leaders have gone.

The ones who do like to make themselves heard prefer to point the finger elsewhere, to find an alibi. It’s not easy to find anybody eager to take responsibility.

One must wonder how many of the players who started against United genuinely worry about Chelsea’s plight. Eden Hazard is desperate to join Real Madrid, Luiz’s contract runs out at the end of the season and Pedro has just over a year left on his.