It was a chaotic, ill-disciplined, and ultimately vital 2-1 victory for Manchester United over Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday. The Premier League match, which saw a goalkeeper and a defensive midfielder sent off in a frantic first half, provided a much-needed three points for Ruben Amorim but also exposed the deep-seated issues that still plague both sides. Here are three key takeaways from the encounter.
1. United’s confidence remains dangerously fragile
This victory papers over some significant cracks. When Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez was sent off just five minutes into the game, United were handed a golden opportunity to cruise to a comfortable, confidence-boosting win. After going 2-0 up, it seemed they would do just that. However, Casemiro’s needless second yellow card just before halftime was a moment of madness that betrayed a lack of discipline and composure. In the second half, playing 10 against 10, United often looked nervous and cautious rather than dominant. The win is what matters, but it masks the underlying fragility that still exists within the squad.
2. Bruno Fernandes is still the team’s heartbeat
Once again, when United needed a moment of inspiration, their captain delivered. His 100th goal for the club was a crucial breakthrough against a Chelsea side that was, at that point, defending resolutely. The performance was a perfect summary of his role in the team: a provider of decisive, individual brilliance that often rescues a collectively flawed performance. While his exact position in the midfield remains a tactical dilemma for Amorim, his ability to decide big games is currently irreplaceable.
3. Chelsea’s toothless attack let United off the hook
Despite playing with a numerical advantage for nearly the entire first half, and on a level playing field of 10 vs 10 for the second, Chelsea missed a huge opportunity. Aside from Trevoh Chalobah’s well-taken header, their attack looked toothless and struggled to turn possession into clear-cut chances. Their inability to truly trouble a vulnerable United defence for long periods highlights a lack of ruthlessness. For all their talent, they failed to punish a wounded opponent when they had the chance, a worrying sign for Enzo Maresca.