Manchester United beat Chelsea FC 2-1 after another troubled week. McTominay once again shone as a goalscorer in the Red Devils’ home win
After a turbulent week, including a press conference ban for some journalists, Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag had to turn their focus to the home game against Chelsea FC after the 1-0 defeat at Newcastle. Criticism of the team had also increased significantly due to the threat of elimination from the Champions League. The Dutchman opted to make four changes, dropping Rashford to the bench alongside Wan-Bissaka, Mainoo and Martial. Lindelöf, Amrabat, Antony and Höjlund moved into the starting eleven.
The visitors from west London were in a better position before kick-off. Chelsea coach Mauricio Pochettino made two changes from the recent 3-2 win over Brighton: Cucurella replaced Badiashile (bench), Palmer took the place of the yellow-red suspended Gallagher.
Bruno Fernandes misses from the spot – McTominay opens the scoring
The game at Old Trafford began with plenty of attacking action – and almost an early lead for the home side. After Höjlund failed to beat Chelsea goalkeeper Sanchez (4th), Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty against the Spaniard just five minutes later. Chelsea’s Fernandez had previously struck Antony on the foot in the penalty area and Christopher Kavanagh pointed to the spot after a VAR check.
However, the Red Devils were not rattled by the missed penalty and took the lead in the 19th minute. McTominay’s left-footed shot found its way into the net – the defensive midfielder’s fourth goal of the season.
Palmer finds the gap
Turbulent play continued afterwards, with both sides creating further notable opportunities within a few minutes. In the 32nd minute, McTominay missed the chance for his brace twice in succession against Sanchez. A short time later, Jackson (33) and Mudryk (36) were also unsuccessful at the other end.
The entertaining first half ended with Palmer, who Lindelöf failed to stop decisively on the edge of the box. United keeper Onana stretched, but was unable to prevent the precise strike at the bottom right (45′).
McTominay nods in a brace
On the back of the equalizer, Chelsea came out strong but Jackson missed the first chance of the second half (49′). However, the tide then turned again – from then on, the hosts clearly set the tone once more. After Garnacho (55′) and Antony (61′) had both narrowly missed out on making it 2:1, Garnacho put the ball perfectly to McTominay in the 70th minute. The goal-scoring midfielder won a duel with Colwill at the second post and headed home his brace.
The final phase also saw further dangerous goalmouth scrambles from both sides, but no further goals were scored. Garnacho missed twice from promising positions (74′ and 80′), while neither Fernandez (85′) nor substitute Broja (90’+1) were able to get their names on the scoresheet late on for the Blues
The Red Devils’ victory was a good one overall thanks to their clear superiority in terms of chances and left the teams a full eight points apart in the table. Manchester United continue their Premier League campaign next Saturday with a home game against AFC Bournemouth (4pm). The following day, the Blues host Everton FC (3 p.m.).
