Manchester United secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Chelsea in a game filled with drama and mistakes, including a disastrous early red card for Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez. Despite the setbacks, Ruben Amorim’s side showed resilience, with Patrick Dorgu and Bruno Fernandes leading the charge. Here’s our breakdown of the winners and losers from Old Trafford.
In a match full of twists, Manchester United overcame Chelsea 2-1, boosting Ruben Amorim’s reputation despite a rocky start to the season. After a rough derby defeat to Manchester City, this win brought much-needed optimism to Old Trafford. However, Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez and Casemiro were among the day’s biggest losers, while others like Patrick Dorgu and Bruno Fernandes emerged as heroes.
WINNER: Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes played a crucial role in United’s win, marking his 200th game and 100th goal for the club. Although not typically the focal point of the attack, Fernandes was instrumental in United’s success. His goal came after a header from Patrick Dorgu, and he nearly doubled his tally with a surging shot that forced a superb save from Chelsea’s keeper. Amorim praised his captain, emphasizing his leadership and influence on the team:
Sometimes he’s not in the best position to be the main man, but the point of the captain is to be the best he can be in every situation to help the team to be better. He deserves all the praise. That guy deserves to be in the history of our club.
LOSER: Robert Sanchez & Casemiro
Chelsea fans had been hopeful about their summer signings, but Robert Sanchez’s blunder exposed serious goalkeeper issues at the club. Less than five minutes into the match, Sanchez was sent off after a reckless challenge outside his area on Bryan Mbeumo. The Spanish goalkeeper made history for Chelsea, earning the club’s earliest-ever red card in Premier League history. Chelsea struggled without him, and Sanchez’s performance will only deepen the club’s goalkeeper dilemma.
On the other side of the field, Casemiro’s rash behavior gave Chelsea a lifeline after Sanchez’s red card. The Brazilian was sent off for two yellow cards in the span of 37 minutes. While Amorim praised his aggression, it was a poor tactical decision from the veteran midfielder.
WINNER: Amorim’s Electric Wing-Backs
Ruben Amorim’s system thrives on the energy of his wing-backs, and Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui stepped up big time. Dorgu was a constant threat, especially in the first half, providing excellent crosses and starting the move that led to Fernandes’ goal. His relentless attack and willingness to push forward kept Chelsea’s defense on its toes. Mazraoui, on the other hand, provided the crucial assists for both goals, while also being solid defensively, ensuring Chelsea couldn’t break through on their right flank.
Both wing-backs showed the potential that Amorim has been calling for, finally executing the tactical plan with precision and aggression.
LOSER: Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer’s decision to return to action so soon after recovering from a groin injury raised eyebrows, and unfortunately, it backfired. After a disappointing first half, Palmer was forced to come off just 21 minutes into the game. His groin injury seemed to flare up again, and he walked off the pitch in frustration, with Chelsea fans left hoping that the damage wasn’t too severe.
Despite his previous strong performances, Palmer’s decision to play through an injury cost Chelsea dearly, and now both the player and coach Enzo Maresca must take responsibility for the risky choice.
WINNER: Man Utd’s Defiant Back Three
The back three of Manchester United, consisting of Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Matthijs de Ligt, showed impressive resilience against Chelsea’s pressure. After criticism for their performances in the derby, the trio responded excellently. Shaw was particularly crucial, making a vital tackle to halt a dangerous Chelsea counter. Maguire, often ridiculed for his lack of pace, kept Chelsea’s forwards at bay with solid defending. De Ligt was involved at both ends of the pitch, delivering precise crosses and keeping a firm hold on Chelsea’s advances.
This strong defensive showing was pivotal for United’s victory, as it gave the team a solid foundation despite playing with a man less for part of the match.
LOSER: Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho’s much-anticipated return to Old Trafford after a summer move was disappointing, to say the least. Despite the hype around his return, Garnacho was left out of the starting lineup and failed to make an impact when he came on. The winger was even booed by Manchester United fans during his warm-up, a sad fall from grace for a player once adored by the Old Trafford faithful.
Not only did Garnacho fail to make an impact, but he was also overtaken by Tyrique George in the pecking order, as Maresca chose the 19-year-old over him. Garnacho’s decline from fan favorite to a forgotten figure is a surprising turn of events, and one that may require a serious rethink about his future at the club.
