Anthony Nlebem
Ten-man Manchester United battled to a crucial 2-1 victory over ten-man Chelsea in torrential rain at Old Trafford, easing the pressure on head coach Ruben Amorim.
Coming off defeat in last weekend’s Manchester derby, which marked United’s worst league start in 30 years, Amorim’s future had been under intense scrutiny.
Read Also: Man United post £666.5m record revenue amid £33m loss
But goals from captain Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro secured a much-needed win in a dramatic first half that featured goals, red cards, and multiple substitutions, the first time such a sequence has occurred in Premier League history.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s dismissal proved decisive. The Spaniard was sent off after racing off his line and bringing down Bryan Mbeumo outside the box, denying the striker a clear goalscoring opportunity. Enzo Maresca was forced into major reshuffles, withdrawing Pedro Neto and Estevao Willian, before also losing Cole Palmer to injury within the opening 20 minutes.
Casemiro doubled United’s lead before receiving his own red card just before the break, setting up a tense second half. Trevor Chalobah pulled one back for Chelsea with a header 10 minutes from time, but United held firm to seal their second league win of the season.
The victory came in front of minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who had given Amorim assurances over his position just 48 hours earlier. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s wait for a Premier League win at Old Trafford continues; their last triumph came in 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Anthony Nlebem
Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.
Source: Businessday.ng | Read the Full Story…
