Wesley Fofana slammed by Joe Cole and Ally McCoist

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana came under heavy criticism for his first-half performance against Manchester United, with Joe Cole and Ally McCoist questioning his defending during Saturday's Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge.

The 25-year-old returned to Xabi Alonso's starting XI after being left on the bench for Chelsea's previous three league matches.

However, United created several opportunities before the interval, prompting criticism of Fofana's positioning and concentration.

The French centre-back later became involved in a major second-half incident that resulted in a Chelsea penalty and Lisandro Martínez's dismissal.

Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole was critical of Fofana during TNT Sports' coverage of the match.

"He's asleep," Cole said, highlighting what he considered a lapse in the defender's awareness.

Ally McCoist also questioned Chelsea's defensive performance.

"It's not good defending, it's not good defending."

Manchester United enjoyed the better of several first-half exchanges, with Michael Carrick's side repeatedly threatening the Chelsea defence.

Despite those opportunities, neither team found a breakthrough before half-time.

Fofana's performance attracted particular attention because he had returned to the starting line-up after three consecutive Premier League matches among the substitutes.

Fofana's difficulties also prompted criticism from Chelsea supporters on social media.

One supporter wrote on X: "Wesley Fofana is a liability to Chelsea, just ship him out on January."

Other reactions questioned whether Alonso should replace the defender at half-time.

The criticism reflects frustration over Fofana's performances and availability since his move from Leicester City in 2022.

Injuries have disrupted the France international's Chelsea career, making it difficult for him to establish a consistent run of appearances.

However, individual supporters calling for his departure do not establish that Chelsea are considering selling him during the January transfer window.

Fofana remains part of Alonso's defensive options, and no formal decision about his future has been announced.

Despite the criticism of his first-half display, Fofana played a significant role in one of the match's major incidents after the interval.

Around the hour mark, the defender was involved in an off-the-ball confrontation with Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martínez following a Chelsea set-piece.

The incident was reviewed by VAR, with the referee subsequently awarding Chelsea a penalty.

Martínez was also dismissed after receiving a second yellow card, leaving United with ten men.

The sequence provided a dramatic contrast to Fofana's difficult opening 45 minutes.

Although the defender had faced criticism for his positioning and awareness, his involvement in the incident gave Chelsea a significant advantage in the second half.

The episode also ensured that Fofana remained central to the discussion surrounding the match.

Fofana will look to build consistency as he competes for a regular starting place under Xabi Alonso.

The defender's performance against Manchester United will come under scrutiny, although his involvement in the second-half penalty incident provided a significant contribution.

Chelsea's next selection decisions will offer a clearer indication of Fofana's immediate role, while there is currently no confirmed evidence that the club intend to sell him in January.