Ruben Amorim celebrated consecutive Old Trafford victories for the first time in the Premier League, as his Manchester United side collected a deserved 2-1 win against Chelsea.
A difficult task became infinitely more complex for Enzo Maresca when Robert Sanchez saw red for a reckless challenge after five minutes.
Inevitably, Bruno Fernandes gave United a deserved lead on the quarter-hour mark, reacting quickest to steer a delicate Patrick Dorgu header past a helpless Filip Jorgensen.
It remained one-way traffic throughout the opening period, with the 20-time English champions deservedly adding a second through a Casemiro header.
But the Brazilian received a second yellow for a needless challenge on Andrey Santos during first-half injury time, sending a collective shiver down the spines of those in attendance.
Trevoh Chalobah headed Chelsea’s first effort on target past Altay Bayindir in the final quarter of a forgettable second half.
But it was a day for red joy in the North West, as a deserving fanbase received a well-needed shot of adrenaline with their side climbing into the top half of the table.
Ruben Amorim earns consecutive Premier League victories at Old Trafford
On a day when Amorim called for a result he felt his side deserved from their early-season performances, a partisan Old Trafford set the tone from the opening whistle.
Despite pre-match reservations about team selection, United burst out of the blocks, controlling tempo throughout the early exchanges in the Manchester rain.
The visitors struggled to live with the pace and were reduced to 10 within five minutes, when Sanchez inexplicably clattered Bryan Mbeumo outside the penalty area.
A barrage of consistent pressure was inevitably rewarded, with Fernandes opening the scoring after a shrewd finish following some fine work by the impressive Dorgu.
Amorim demanded his side continue to turn the screw, and their attacking efforts earned reward through Casemiro following a third corner routine of the opening half.
However, with United cruising, the veteran Brazilian received a second yellow card minutes before the break, altering the dynamic of what had been a straightforward evening.
Manuel Ugarte replaced Benjamin Sesko for the restart, as the rain created visible pools across the field, with play becoming unsettled due to the difficult conditions.
The first sightings of Alejandro Garnacho gracing the touchline returned the expected chorus from the Stretford End, with the former academy player ultimately remaining an unused substitute throughout.
Much of the restart saw Chelsea retain large quantities of possession without effective penetration. Wesley Fofana had the ball in the net from a corner, but did so while sitting close to 10 yards offside.
Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount returned from short stints on the sidelines after the hour mark to a standing applause. As did Leny Yoro following a surprise omission from the starting lineup.
United remained comfortable in their defensive structure and deliberately compacted the middle of the park, frustrating their guests and depriving them of a solitary effort on goal for 80 minutes.
However, Maresca’s side earned a route back into the game through the head of Chalobah with 10 to play, setting the tone for a nervy finish.
The announcement of seven additional minutes following another controversial 90 between the sides resulted in a collective groan from those in red.
But United held firm and saw out the final minute on their terms. It may have ended far closer than much of the first half would have suggested, but three points provide an invaluable platform for Amorim to build upon.
His side climbs to 9th place in the table, two points off the Champions League places, ahead of fixtures with Brentford and Sunderland.
Interestingly, the Reds’ unbeaten league record against the Londoners at Old Trafford extends to 13 (W6, D7), with Chelsea’s success rate of 17% in the North West the lowest against any side they have faced 10+ times.
How do you feel following a successful day at the office for Manchester United? Let us know in the comments or across our socials.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com
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