Manchester United held out to win a hard-fought battle against Chelsea on Saturday evening.
The game got off to the best start possible for Manchester United, as Chelsea went down to 10 men after Robert Sanchez fouled Bryan Mbeumo to prevent a goal-scoring opportunity.
Utilising the advantage, Bruno Fernandes put United in the lead not long after, with Patrick Dorgu getting his first assist for the club, making it 1-0.
United’s dominance continued, and so did the goals as Casemiro made it 2-0 with Harry Maguire providing the assist.
Amorim’s side were in cruise control before Casemiro then saw red, in a dubious second yellow offence, which was incredibly harsh.
The game was very disjointed after this, but Chelsea got back into it through Trevoh Chalobah, making it 2-1.
This was how the game ended, with a much-needed victory for United. Here are five things we learned from the win.
Bruno Fernandes reaches his century of goals for Manchester United
Among all the different stories to emerge from the crazy game on Saturday evening, Fernandes scored his 100th goal for the club.
100 goals in 296 games is an incredible record from a midfielder and just demonstrates how pivotal Fernandes has been for the club since his arrival.
It was far from his best at the club, but it will mean a lot to join an exclusive club of just 18 players who have scored 100 in red.
First glimpses of Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo’s partnership
Manchester United vs Chelsea lasted just five minutes as an 11 vs 11 affair before Robert Sanchez found himself sent off after he took out Bryan Mbeumo.
The build-up to this event, however, saw Mbeumo and Sesko link up sensationally, just like many fans predicted when the pair were signed together.
A long ball from Altay Bayindir saw Sesko rise to win the header, knocking it on for the running Mbeumo, which led to the red card.
This is a massive outlet for United, and we expect to see it a lot this season.
Harry Maguire justifies his starting place
Eyebrows were raised pre-game when Leny Yoro wasn’t on the starting team sheet, with Maguire stepping into the team clearly to add some experience.
As payment to Amorim for the faith, Maguire was brilliant, dealing with everything he faced and even benefiting United in the attacking box.
Maguire continues to age like a fine wine at United. We wouldn’t be shocked if a reduced-term contract extension was on the cards ahead of next summer.
Ruben Amorim needs to solve the left wing-back problem
While Dorgu assisted Fernandes’ opener, his attacking contributions were once again a net negative.
Dorgu is not a winger, which means when he is put in the positions where the attack ends up functioning around him, it usually ends with frustrating crosses or being dispossessed.
It isn’t the youngsters’ fault, but he doesn’t suit the role, and so Amorim needs to rethink this position and find a way to get an impactful attacking player in this position where plenty of opportunities come from.
Manchester United players are still fully behind Ruben Amorim
Over the past week, Amorim’s future has come into question, with suggestions that pressure is growing.
Whether this is the case or not, Saturday made it clear as day that United’s players have not given up on the head coach, as their performances were full of intensity.
United flew out of the gates, quicker and stronger than Chelsea, which led to the early advantage.
While good to see, Amorim is lucky to still have the backing of his team after such a bad run of form; now, this needs to be used as a turning point.
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