Nemanja Matic sends message to Man Utd star after impressive 2-1 victory vs Chelsea

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Manchester United had to scrap for a victory over Chelsea, after making a superb start to the game.

Old Trafford was singing in the rain as Manchester United recorded just a second win of the season, in the fifth game, by beating Chelsea 2-1.

Ruben Amorim needed the victory after a flat 3-0 loss away at City last weekend, and he made a notable change in defence.

Leny Yoro was a surprise omission, with Harry Maguire stepping back into the starting line-up.

With Chelsea scoring four goals from set pieces in four games to start the season, there was some logic to Maguire’s recall, even if Yoro dropping out was a surprise.

Harry Maguire makes 250th appearance

Harry Maguire was presented with a framed shirt before kickoff to celebrate his 250th appearance for the club.

Maguire signed for Manchester United in 2019, and he has had a rollercoaster ride at the club during the past six years.

His debut for the club came in a 4-0 win over Chelsea, and his 250th looked to be heading the same way, with United 2-0 up before Casemiro was sent off.

Casemiro’s red card equalled the teams at 10 men each, after Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was handed a fifth minute red card.

The game plateaued in the second half and Chelsea pulled a goal back, but rarely looked like equalising.

Maguire was vital to United’s defensive effort, playing 70 minutes, taken off when the scoreline was 2-0.

He posted on Instagram after the game: “250 games for this amazing club ❤️🔴

“Big fight and spirit shown by the lads today, time to kick on now.”

In addition to current captain Bruno Fernandes, who wrote ‘Big performance big man’, former teammate Nemanja Matic reached out.

The Sassuolo midfielder wrote: “Congratulations big man,” after watching United beat another of his former clubs.

Where Maguire ranks among United appearance makers

Harry Maguire is now 90th in the Manchester United all-time appearance makers list.

Only two current players have played more games than Maguire’s 250. Bruno Fernandes was making his 295th appearance, and Luke Shaw his 291st.

Maguire has already surpassed Matic, who made 189 total appearances between 2017 and 2022.

Ryan Giggs leads the all-time list with 963 club appearances.