Man Utd player ratings: Mazraoui and De Ligt impress amid Chelsea chaos but Casemiro behaviour set up nervy finale

Man Utd player ratings: Mazraoui and De Ligt impress amid Chelsea chaos but Casemiro behaviour set up nervy finale

Manchester United secured a hard-fought victory against Chelsea at Old Trafford, overcoming a late surge from the visitors to claim all three points. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring dramatic twists and turns that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. It was a game that highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of the Red Devils, leaving supporters with plenty to discuss.

Casemiro of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Bruno Fernandes.

The game got off to a sensational start when Chelsea's goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, was shown a straight red card just five minutes into the match. Sanchez, in a desperate attempt to prevent Bryan Mbeumo from scoring, rushed out of his penalty area and brought down the United forward. The early sending-off significantly altered the dynamics of the match, handing United a significant advantage.

Altay Bayindir celebrates his team's second goal.

Casemiro, the experienced Brazilian midfielder, initially proved to be a key figure in United's victory, scoring a crucial goal that separated the two sides for a significant portion of the match. His header, a testament to his aerial prowess, put United in a commanding position and seemed to set the stage for a comfortable win.

Chelsea's Joao Pedro battles Manchester United's Noussair Mazraoui for the ball.

However, in a moment of madness, Casemiro received a red card himself, evening the playing field and throwing United's plans into disarray. The sending-off, a result of two bookable offenses, left United with ten men and forced manager Erik ten Hag to reshuffle his lineup and adopt a more defensive approach.

Matthijs de Ligt vs Chelsea heat map with stats: 67 touches, 0 shots, 49 passes, 2 tackles, 1 dribble, and 5 duels won.

Despite being a man down, Chelsea mounted a spirited comeback, pulling a goal back and putting United under immense pressure. The Red Devils were forced to dig deep and demonstrate their resilience in the face of adversity.

Manchester United's Harry Maguire gestures during a soccer match.

The early dismissal of Robert Sanchez left Chelsea in disarray, forcing them to play with ten men for the majority of the match. His rash challenge on Mbeumo outside the box proved costly, gifting United a numerical advantage and setting the tone for a challenging evening for the Blues.

Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea and Luke Shaw of Manchester United in action during a soccer match.

Altay Bayindir, United's goalkeeper, played a crucial role in setting up the opening goal, showcasing his distribution skills. His quick thinking and accurate pass initiated the attack that led to United taking the lead. It was a moment that highlighted his value to the team, even when not directly involved in making saves.

Heat map and statistics for Bruno Fernandes against Chelsea.

Noussair Mazraoui's return to the United lineup proved to be a significant boost for the team. The Moroccan wing-back's energetic performance and defensive solidity were instrumental in thwarting Chelsea's attacks. His presence on the right flank provided United with both defensive stability and attacking impetus. United can count themselves lucky that the Moroccan is back in action

Chelsea's Joao Pedro and Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu battling for the ball.

Mazraoui's contribution extended beyond just defending. His pinpoint cross was headed back into the path of Bruno Fernandes, who made no mistake in converting the opportunity. His impact on both ends of the pitch was undeniable, highlighting his importance to the team's overall performance. The wing-back’s cross was headed back by Dorgu for Fernandes’ opener and he never put a foot wrong. United were considerably more shaky when he came off.

Wesley Fofana (29) of Chelsea challenging Amad Diallo (16) of Manchester United during a Premier League match.

Despite the wet conditions, Bryan Mbeumo showcased his dribbling skills and determination, often proving a handful for the Chelsea defense. His driving runs through the midfield caused problems for the Blues, and he was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself. The water-logged pitch did not stop his efforts throughout the game.

Illustration of Casemiro's performance statistics and heat map against Chelsea, showing 26 touches, 1 shot, 22 passes, 0 tackles, 0 dribbles, and 0 duels won.

The defensive pairing of Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt proved to be a solid foundation for United's defense. De Ligt, in particular, made a crucial clearance to deny Chelsea a goal shortly after the break, showcasing his awareness and positioning. The centre-back produced the best defensive clearance of the ball to deny Chelsea a goal back quickly after the break.

Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo gestures, clapping his hands.

Luke Shaw delivered an improved performance against Chelsea, making amends for his struggles in previous matches. His header in the box set up Casemiro's goal, and he was a constant threat down the left flank. The full-back assisted Casemiro’s goal with a header in the box and had choice words with Enzo Fernandez after the celebrations. 

Marc Cucurella of Chelsea challenges Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United during a Premier League match.

Bruno Fernandes reached a significant milestone, scoring his 100th goal for the club in his 200th appearance. His clever finish inside the box demonstrated his goalscoring instincts and cemented his place as a key player for Manchester United.

Patrick Dorgu, despite being on the losing side, showed glimpses of his potential, indicating that he is a player to watch for the future. He launched his poor header in the air before Casemiro doubled the home side’s lead. But some silly mistakes almost cost his team-mates.

Amad Diallo, however, appeared to be lacking in confidence, struggling to make a significant impact on the game. His crosses were often wayward, and he hesitated in key moments, suggesting a need for greater self-belief.

Casemiro's eventful match saw him become the first Manchester United player to score and be sent off in the same half of a Premier League game. His goal was a moment of brilliance, but his subsequent red card marred his performance and left his teammates with a difficult task.

Bryan Mbeumo's relentless running and determination were crucial to United's victory. His pace and skill on the ball caused problems for the Chelsea defense, and his work rate was commendable.

Benjamin Sesko, who was sacrificed at half-time after Casemiro's red card, showed positive signs in his limited time on the pitch. His aerial ability and work rate were evident, suggesting that he can contribute more significantly in future matches.

Paris Saint-Germain's player struggled to get a grip on the game after coming on as a substitute. His miskick from a corner nearly gifted Chelsea a goal, highlighting his lack of sharpness and composure. Wasn’t in the tempo of the game and fell asleep while marking Chalobah’s pull back.

The Manchester United fans were thrilled to see their Brazilian star back from injury. He played off Fernandes well and was eager to get back to the game.

In conclusion, Manchester United's victory over Chelsea was a hard-earned one, achieved through a combination of individual brilliance, tactical adjustments, and sheer determination. While the game was far from perfect, it showcased the Red Devils' ability to overcome adversity and secure vital points in their pursuit of their goals.

The match served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the importance of maintaining focus and composure, even in the face of unexpected challenges. For Manchester United, it was a valuable lesson learned and a crucial step forward in their quest for success. United held firm and pulled through.