Manchester United secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Chelsea in a chilly midweek clash at Old Trafford, with midfielder Scott McTominay emerging as the hero by scoring both goals.
The match was a lively contest in Manchester, characterized by both teams pushing the pace for the entire 90 minutes, although United clearly dominated proceedings.
McTominay’s first goal was a testament to the relentless early pressure applied by the Red Devils, dispelling any doubts about the team’s determination. This goal served as redemption for an earlier penalty miss by Bruno Fernandes, whose attempt was saved by Chelsea‘s goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea managed to level the game late in the first half, courtesy of a well-placed effort from Cole Palmer that narrowly evaded the fingertips of United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana.
However, it was United’s no.39, Scott McTominay, who once again demonstrated his knack for being in the right place at the right time. In the 69th minute, he scored the decisive goal, reinstating United’s lead.
Erik ten Hag implemented four changes to the lineup from the recent game against Newcastle United for the clash against Chelsea.
In the attacking lineup, Rasmus Hojlund and Antony replaced Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford. Meanwhile, in the defensive setup, Diogo Dalot and Sofyan Amrabat took the places of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Kobbie Mainoo.
The first notable attempt on goal occurred in the third minute when Rasmus Hojlund, receiving a well-placed through ball from Luke Shaw on the left, unleashed a powerful shot that required Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to make a low save.
Early pressure from Manchester United seemed to yield results after five minutes when a VAR review was initiated by referee Chris Kavanagh for a late challenge by Enzo Fernandez on Antony in the box.
The Brazilian’s foot was stamped on, leading to Kavanagh awarding a penalty. However, Robert Sanchez denied Bruno Fernandes from the spot, maintaining parity.
Following the penalty save, both teams engaged in a competitive back-and-forth. However, it was once again Scott McTominay who found himself in the right place at the right time, breaking the deadlock and putting Manchester United in the lead.
Alejandro Garnacho initiated the play by delivering a well-timed cut-back to an advanced Harry Maguire inside the penalty area.
Although Maguire’s shot took a deflection, it fell into the path of the Scotland international, who skillfully placed the ball beyond the reach of an unsighted Robert Sanchez.
Following the goal, Erik ten Hag’s team continued to apply the majority of the pressure, keeping the visitors on the defensive.
A significant opportunity arose around the half-hour mark when a deep cross from Bruno Fernandes found Scott McTominay unmarked in the middle. However, McTominay’s quickfire double attempt was thwarted by the close-range reactions of Chelsea’s goalkeeper.
Just before halftime, and somewhat against the run of play, Cole Palmer seized an opportunity just outside Manchester United’s box. His effort managed to navigate through the Reds’ defense and find the bottom corner of Andre Onana’s net.
Earlier in the half, Onana had made a crucial save to deny Nicolas Jackson in a one-on-one situation, and Raheem Sterling was cautioned for attempting to win a penalty under a challenge from Victor Lindelof.
The first half concluded with both teams seeking to advance forward as soon as possession was gained, maintaining the competitive nature of the match.
The second half commenced with both teams displaying the same level of energy they had exhibited before the break. Manchester United made a substitution, bringing in Sergio Reguilon for Victor Lindelof, while Chelsea replaced Marc Cucurella with Reece James.
Alejandro Garnacho, determined to continue his recent goal-scoring form, attempted another bicycle kick from a more challenging angle, which unfortunately sailed over the bar, eliciting a wry smile from the winger. His subsequent effort, moments later, appeared more threatening, curling just inches over the crossbar.
As Manchester United asserted dominance around the 60-minute mark, a powerful shot from Luke Shaw led to handball appeals as the ball struck Colwill’s arm following a block. However, the officials ruled that the contact occurred with the defender’s thigh.
Scott McTominay, the earlier goalscorer, once again found himself in a crucial position for United, meeting Garnacho’s cross at the back post. The goal was subject to a VAR check, which determined that McTominay’s contact with Colwill before the goal was not sufficient to be considered a foul.
Despite providing the assist for the second goal, Garnacho continued his pursuit of a goal, with a one-on-one opportunity well blocked by Reece James’s tackle. A subsequent shot from Garnacho narrowly missed the post.
In the end, the two goals from McTominay were enough to secure Manchester United a much-needed and well-deserved three points at Old Trafford. With this victory, they now trail Manchester City by only three points in the league table.