Manchester United has somewhat eased the pressure on coach Ruben Amorim with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford. This is a match in which both teams have to play with 10 men since the first half.
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro scored to help the "Red Devils" lead 2-0, after Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was sent off in the 5th minute for a foul on Bryan Mbeumo. However, Casemiro himself had to leave the field after 2 yellow cards in the first half, forcing Man United to play with one less player in the second half of the match.
The drama was further heightened when Trevoh Chalobah reduced Chelsea's lead in the 80th minute, forcing Man United to defend for the remainder of the time. However, the home team still stood firm to win the second victory since the beginning of the season, thereby rising to the top half of the rankings.
Man United regains strength to defeat Chelsea
Whether it was a reaction to the 0-3 defeat to Manchester City or just a relief after many disappointing weeks, the Man United players played more aggressively and with more fighting spirit than usual in the victory over Chelsea.
Former captain Roy Keane once criticized the "Red Devils" for being criminally prosecuted for not getting a yellow card in the Etihad derby. But at Old Trafford this time, Man United showed a completely different face. Casemiro received an early yellow card for a foul on Enzo Fernandez, opening a tense first half. And he himself was sent off with a red card for a foul on Andrey Santos.
However, Casemiro is not the only player involved in fierce collisions.
Luke Shaw had two clashes with Enzo Fernandez, including a situation that pushed Chelsea's midfielder down the touchline. Harry Maguire also had a heated debate with Joao Pedro, while the confrontation between Shaw and Fernandez continued to be quiet until the final whistle.
Matthijs de Ligt is another face who shows his steadfastness in the disputes. The effect of that determined spirit has received a strong response from the stands, creating a rare harmony between the players and Man United fans.
If M.U's stars are often left behind in one-on-one matches every day, today they won. And that is the key to bringing home all 3 points.
Amorim's system finally begins to work
Amorim is unlikely to fully record his exploits as both of Man United's goals came in 11 games in the first half. However, there were still signs of encouragement for the Portuguese strategist.
The full-backs Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui often found space, while confidently controlling the ball. Just a few minutes after Chelsea lost a man, Dorgu had an impressive comeback and almost assisted Mbeumo with an accurate cross from the left wing.
Fernandes' opening goal came from a beautiful combination on the wing. Mazraoui passed the ball to Dorgu to head the ball back, creating an opportunity for the Portuguese midfielder to successfully finish. Casemiro's second goal also came from a pass from Mazraoui's right wing, before Dorgu continued to head back into the penalty area.
In fact, Man United started the game well even before goalkeeper Sanchez received a red card. They dominated the game in the first half and only really struggled after Casemiro was sent off.
At least, this result also gives Amorim more time to need. Another defeat will make the pressure worse, but now Man United will travel to Brentford at the weekend with a bit of optimism.
If he wins that game and continues to beat Sunderland at Old Trafford, Amorim could enter the October international break in a relaxed mood. He will no longer have to worry about receiving an unwanted call from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
