In a chaotic encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester United triumphed over Chelsea, with both teams reduced to ten players by halftime.
Manchester United revitalized their faltering Premier League campaign thanks to crucial goals from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, securing an exhilarating 2-1 victory against Chelsea on home turf.
The match’s intensity was evident from the outset, as Chelsea suffered a major blow just five minutes in when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez received a red card for a reckless challenge on Bryan Mbeumo, who was clear on goal.
With Chelsea down to ten men, United capitalized on their advantage. Fernandes opened the scoring, followed by Casemiro’s header, putting the hosts comfortably ahead before the half-hour mark.
However, Casemiro’s own dismissal shortly before halftime leveled the playing field, offering Chelsea a lifeline. Despite this, the visitors could only manage a late header from Trevoh Chalobah, as United’s defense held firm to claim a vital three points.
Ruben Amorim, United’s manager, had been under increasing scrutiny after a disappointing run that saw just eight wins in 31 league matches since his appointment last November. The clash with Chelsea presented a chance to improve those statistics, especially given the Blues’ long-standing inability to win at Old Trafford since 2013. Sanchez’s early red card significantly eased United’s path to victory.
Chelsea’s challenges mounted further when Cole Palmer was forced off due to injury, compelling manager Enzo Maresca to make an unprecedented three substitutions within the first 21 minutes-the earliest such occurrence in Premier League history.
Fernandes then delighted the home crowd, scoring his 100th goal for United amid the relentless Manchester rain, further boosting the team’s momentum.
Casemiro extended the lead with a powerful header, capitalizing on Luke Shaw’s persistence to keep the attack alive. This marked the Brazilian’s first goal of the season and seemed to seal the game.
Yet, Casemiro’s fortunes quickly reversed as a second yellow card saw him sent off, making him the first player since Emmanuel Adebayor in 2012 to both score and be dismissed in the first half of a Premier League fixture.
Despite being a man down, Chelsea struggled to mount significant offensive pressure until Chalobah’s late goal. United appeared vulnerable in the closing stages, but goalkeeper Altay Bayindir remained composed, ensuring the hosts maintained their lead.
Post-match, Amorim commended his team’s intensity and determination, though he acknowledged the need for greater efficiency to secure more comfortable wins.
“I have no response to the critics, who are often justified. Today’s victory is important for us,” he told Sky Sports. “We might lose to a lower-ranked team, but we can also beat any opponent. My focus is on the next match. Winning today was crucial, and maintaining that urgency is vital.”
On the other side, Maresca expressed frustration over the early dismissal. “We must begin matches better. Conceding a red card so early at Old Trafford is unacceptable,” he remarked.
Elsewhere in the Premier League on Saturday, Liverpool continued their flawless start with a 2-1 win over Everton at Anfield, highlighted by Ryan Gravenberch’s goal and assist.
West Ham endured another setback, losing 2-1 at home to Crystal Palace, marking their fourth defeat in five games under coach Graham Potter.
Wolves remain at the bottom of the table after a 3-1 home loss to Leeds, still searching for their first points after five matches under Vitor Pereira.
Tottenham rallied from a 2-0 deficit to secure a 2-2 draw against Brighton, while Nottingham Forest’s Ange Postecoglou earned his first point as manager with a 1-1 draw at Burnley.
