Erik Ten Hag decided to make a few changes to the starting eleven for the game against Chelsea. Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Kobbie Mainoo were dropped down to the bench. Luke Shaw came in at left back whilst up front Antony and Rasmus Højlund returned with Garnacho on the left.
United on the front foot
The game started very open from both sides but it was United who got on the front foot and took it to our opponents. We were given a penalty in the ninth minute but ultimately Bruno Fernandes was unable to score as Robert Sanchez made the save.
The attack did not relent from the Reds as we searched for the opening goal. It came in the 19th minute with Scott McTominay’s finish inside the box to give us the lead to the delight of the Old Trafford faithful.
Whilst United were dominating in terms of the stats, Chelsea still found opportunities to be a threat. Mykhalo Mudryk had a couple of chances to bring the Blues back on level terms. Andre Onana was called upon when he had to save Nicolas Jackson’s close range effort. The Reds pushed to get that second goal and came very close through McTominay again.
Chelsea then took their own chance on half time to equalise when Cole Palmer’s well placed shot went past the defence and Onana into the far corner of the goal.
McTominay the hero again
The second half saw United retained possession and take the lead again through McTominay in the 69th minute. He had headed home at the back post after Garnacho’s cross into the box. There was a quick VAR check for a foul in the build up but this was dismissed and the goal stood.
McTominay should have got his hat-trick only a minute later when Chelsea gave away the ball but the Scotsman misplaced his effort. After the second goal, it felt like United would go on to score a third and see the game out.
The fans were very much up for this game giving their support to the manager and players. They kept pushing Chelsea back towards the Stretford End but were unable to get another goal. The Reds manage to hold on to the 2-1 lead and see the game out.
It was very much needed three points from a very open game. We are just three points behind fourth spot and the Champions League places. Scott McTominay was the hero again for us and is now our leading scorer in the Premier League this season.
What this means for United
The victory will keep the pressure away from Erik Ten Hag as United climb up to sixth place. We are only three points off fourth place Manchester City. With the game against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Saturday, this result has given us the chance to build some momentum heading into it.
After this, the Reds have a number of fixtures to contend with. We have to play Bayern Munich, Liverpool, West Ham, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest and it could turn out to be a defining month for Ten Hag.
Garnacho impresses
When tthe starting eleven was announced an hour before the game, it was probably no surprise to see Marcus Rashford was on the bench after the display against Newcastle. Garnacho who took up the position on the left wing did impress.
He came out on top against his opposite number Marc Cucurella on a number of occasions and did so against Reece James who came on to replace him.