Post match reaction - Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea

Huge win for Ruben Amorim's United, as three points against Chelsea eases pressure on United. There was a huge sigh of relief as United got over the line in a much needed victory over Chelsea. Perhaps this is the benefit Ruben spoke about with having the full week to prepare for games, as United looked well up for it. With the rain bucketing down and plenty of dramatic twists. Bruno marked the occasion by netting his 100th goal for the club in his 200th Premier League appearance, as Harry Maguire made it 250 appearances in red.

Match Summary

United started the game on the front foot, as they have in every premier league game so far, but the difference this time is that they made this early pressure count. Sesko rose high above Chalobah flicking the ball in to the path of Mbuemo who was taken out by Robert Sanchez, who received a red card for this action. United didn't sit back and kept pushing, with Maresca making three defensive minded subs before the break. Bruno opened the scoring after 14 mins, as he latched on to Dorgu's header back across the box. Casemiro doubled the lead with a powerful header but saw a second yellow just before half time for a foul on Chelsea's Andrey Santos. Casemiro was the first United player to be sent off and score in the first half of a game, and this action definitely changed the feel of the game. United had been pushing for a third goal but it was Chelsea who dominated the 10v10 match up in the second half. United's backline fell asleep for two short corners and Chelsea punished them the second time, giving a really nervy feel to the final 10 minutes of the game. It was vital United held firm, showing resilience and composure they've too often lacked over the last few months.

Key players

De Ligt was immense at the back. There were question marks when the team was announced that Yoro was left out but De Ligt stepped up on the left side of the three. His recovery pace and power was vital in keeping Chelsea quiet and was a real leader in that United defence. When Yoro did come on, De Ligt stepped in to the middle and was one of the main reasons United held on to their lead. It is clear why Amorim likes him, De Ligt is aggressive and comfortable stepping in to the middle when pressing. The Dutchman has been one of United's stand out players this season, and has dealt well with Gyokeres and now Jaoa Pedro very impressively. Amorim also wants his outside defenders stepping forward into the box and crossing it from areas outside the box, something De Ligt did effectively in the first half before we were reduced to 10 men. De Ligt finished the game with 86% pass accuracy and 8 passes in to the final third. Overall, a solid performance from the 26 year old and we hope he can push on from this again.

Mbeumo looked very dangerous again and carried the ball very well for us in the second half. His strength and speed is something United were missing with Antony and looked very sharp at the weekend. Sesko also looked dangerous in the first half, causing problems with his runs in behind. Perhaps Sesko might have been left on to hold the ball up in the second half, as when he came off we lost that aggression and vocal point up there, especially when Chelsea looked vulnerable at the back.

Bruno was amazing again, and really showed why he is the man at United. This aggression and passion was on display when he picked the ball up in the Chelsea half late in to the second half and carried the ball directly at the heart of the Chelsea defence. After he got his shot off, he turned to the Stretford yelling "COME ON LETS GO" and really got the fans behind the team. He wasn't going to let United lose this game and it was a captains performance to be proud of.

Bayindar was chose over Lammens again, and had a steady game. The Turkish goalie was clearly told not to take any risks with the ball and went long the majority of the time. He did spill the ball once in to a very dangerous area but luckily for United there was nobody there to capitalise. Overall, a solid performance from the keeper.

Amad had a frustrating night at Old Trafford. The winger started brightly, stretching Chelsea's backline with clever movement in to space. A few of his decisions in the final third let him down, as he perhaps rushed a simple pass to Sesko. Interestingly, Amad posted a picture with Garnacho after the game, who was subject to the Carlos Tevez chant throughout the match. Amad received some backlash after the game and has blacked out his instagram profile. One to keep an eye on. Garnacho was heavily criticised by fans throughout the game. Mainoo only got 3+ mins off the bench and seemed frustrated as he warmed up for much of the game. When he did get on, he looked sharp so hoping to see more from the young lad in the coming weeks.

Overall, definitely some positives to take from the game. United needed this win and can take some positives in to the Brentford and Sunderland games. With a week off between games, losses are amplified as there isn't other games to distract the noise. The confidence of the group will be positively effected by this result and its important United push on and try get back to back wins in the league for the first time under Amorim.

Player ratings:

Bayindar (6.5)

De Ligt (9) Maguire (8) Shaw (7)

Mazaraoui (7) Casemiro (6) Bruno (8.5) Dorgu (6.5)

Mbeumo (8.5) Sesko (6) Amad (6)

MOTM: De Ligt

Pre-match prediction: United 2-1 Chelsea