Indeed, Casemiro‘s sending off wiped out the numerical advantage United had enjoyed and made for a nervy second half, with Trevoh Chalobah halving the deficit in the 80th minute.
United needed a response after their wimpy derby defeat at Manchester City and they were handed a massive favour by Sanchez, who was shown a red card in the fifth minute after rushing out of his area and clattering into Bryan Mbeumo. United did not take long to take advantage, Fernandes nipping in to strike home a header from Patrick Dorgu as the hosts swarmed around Chelsea‘s area.
Things got even better for Amorim’s side when Cole Palmer was taken off midway through the first half with a suspected recurrence of the groin injury he had just recovered from. It was the third substitute Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca made and surely not even United could blow such an advantage. However, they nearly did.
Casemiro bludgeoned in a second goal with his head before half-time after some aerial bombardment involving Dorgu and Harry Maguire but then undid all his good work with a stupid sending off right before half-time. Both his actions to earn deserved yellow cards were totally needless and handed Chelsea the momentum. Chalobah headed home from a corner to send shivers down United’s spine but the Red Devils dug deep to preserve their lead and hold on for a vital win.
BALLGM rates Man United’s players from Old Trafford…
Indeed, Casemiro’s sending off wiped out the numerical advantage United had enjoyed and made for a nervy second half, with Trevoh Chalobah halving the deficit in the 80th minute.
United needed a response after theirwimpy derby defeat at Manchester City and they were handed a massive favour by Sanchez, who was shown a red card in the fifth minute after rushing out of his area and clattering into Bryan Mbeumo. United did not take long to take advantage, Fernandes nipping in to strike home a header from Patrick Dorgu as the hosts swarmed around Chelsea’s area.
Things got even better for Amorim’s side when Cole Palmer was taken off midway through the first half with a suspected recurrence of the groin injury he had just recovered from. It was the third substitute Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca made and surely not even United could blow such an advantage. However, they nearly did.
Casemiro bludgeoned in a second goal with his head before half-time after some aerial bombardment involving Dorgu and Harry Maguire but then undid all his good work with a stupid sending off right before half-time. Both his actions to earn deserved yellow cards were totally needless and handed Chelsea the momentum. Chalobah headed home from a corner to send shivers down United’s spine but the Red Devils dug deep to preserve their lead and hold on for a vital win.
BALLGM rates Man United’s players from Old Trafford…
Altay Bayindir (6/10):
For once he was not the story as he enjoyed a refreshingly uneventful 90 minutes for the most part. Nothing he could do about Chalobah’s goal but made a decent punch to avert some late danger.
Harry Maguire (7/10):
Looked solid, albeit without being tested much by Chelsea’s 10 men, in his first start of the season as Amorim asked him to do his primary job of defending rather than sending him on as a last-resort striker. Despite this, he set up Casemiro’s goal, adorning a fine all-round display.
Matthijs de Ligt (8/10):
Played on the front foot, joining attacks regularly while always being quick to sweep up any danger at the back, such as hooking away a threatening cross from Reece James before Moises Caicedo could connect with it.
Luke Shaw (7/10):
The type of comfortable game (well, until the 80th minute at least) he needed after being knocked about in the derby. Had an angry confrontation with Enzo Fernandez after the first goal and made a vital intervention late on, cleaning up Manuel Ugarte’s mess by sliding in to dispossess Andrey Santos and digging his heels in to ensure they got the win.
Noussair Mazraoui (8/10):
A dominant display at both ends of the pitch which showed he can be first choice right-wing-back moving forward.
Casemiro (4/10):
A perfect example of his strengths and weaknesses in one half. His presence helped United overpower Chelsea overall and he got the all-important second goal. But he was haunted by his tendency to dive in. His first yellow card for fouling Fernandez was needless and his second – grappling with Andrey Santos’ body – was downright stupid.
Bruno Fernandes (8/10):
A defiant performance, leading from the front as well as in midfield. Got the ball rolling with his 100th goal for United and almost got a brilliant second by bombing forward from the halfway line, thwarted by Filip Jorgensen’s diving save.
Patrick Dorgu (7/10):
Gave an electric first-half display, getting the assist for the first goal and keeping the move alive for the second.
Bryan Mbeumo (7/10):
Gave a livewire performance, with his bursting run in behind provoking Sanchez’s sending off. He lacked some finesse at times with his final ball but his movement could not be argued with.
Benjamin Sesko (5/10):
Made a good start as his flicked header released Mbeumo for the key moment leading to Sanchez getting sent off. This was a great chance to score against 10 men but he did not take it as he made a pig’s ear of a clear opening in the area and was then sacrificed by Amorim once Casemiro had seen red.
Amad Diallo (5/10):
Disappointing that he didn’t make more of his advanced position against the 10 men. Frustratingly indecisive.
Manuel Ugarte (5/10):
A clumsy effort to nick the ball gifted Chelsea a big break and he was very fortunate that Shaw covered for him. Made up for it with an important tackle on Fernandez.
Matheus Cunha (6/10):
Produced some nice link play on his return from injury and won an important free-kick late on to buy some time.
Leny Yoro (5/10):
Completely lost his marker Chalobah, handing Chelsea late momentum.
Mason Mount (6/10):
Focused mostly on protecting the lead against his former club.
Kobbie Mainoo (N/A):
Replaced Fernandes for the final five minutes.
Ruben Amorim (6/10):
Needed the points badly and can be pleased with how his side dug in. But they really should have been out of sight long before and Casemiro’s unnecessary red card added nerves and jeopardy.
