Man, United edge Chelsea in Old Trafford thriller

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Manchester United battled past a resilient Chelsea side with a 2–1 victory at Old Trafford, in a match that had drama, goals, and controversy.

Chelsea, however, were thrown into further disarray in the 5th minute when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off for a reckless challenge, forcing manager Enzo Maresca into an early reshuffle.

United took the lead in the 14th minute when captain Bruno Fernandes pounced on a Patrick Dorgu assist, rifling the ball into the net after a brief VAR check confirmed no infringement.

The home side doubled their advantage in the 37th minute as Casemiro rose highest to meet Harry Maguire’s flick-on, powering home a header to make it 2-0.

The match was far from straightforward for United. Casemiro, already booked in the first half, was shown a second yellow in stoppage time of the opening period, leaving both teams to finish with ten men.

The Blues fought back bravely, with Trevoh Chalobah reducing the deficit in the 80th minute after a precise cross from Reece James.

Chelsea pressed hard in the dying minutes, with Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos testing United’s stand-in keeper Altay Bayindir, but the Red Devils held firm through seven tense minutes of added time.

United manager Ruben Amorim will be pleased with the grit his side displayed, especially after being reduced to ten men, while Maresca may take some positives from Chelsea’s fighting spirit despite their early setback.