Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea Player Ratings: Bruno Fernandes Rated 8/10 as United Survive Red Card Drama in 2-1 Win

Finally, a sigh of relief for Ruben Amorim and his Manchester United squad as they secured a commanding victory against Chelsea at the Theatre of Dreams. Watched by millions worldwide, the match drew intense attention due to United’s ongoing struggles, speculation surrounding Amorim’s future, and Chelsea’s star-studded lineup. Yet, United silenced their critics with a performance brimming with intent and conviction. From the opening whistle, United dismissed any notions of their prolonged poor form, capturing the ground early. The turning point came when Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Bryan Mbeumo just outside the penalty area. This early setback forced Chelsea to regroup, with Filip Jorgensen replacing Sanchez in goal, but United didn't take any time to capitalize on the advantage.

Thanks to the continuous pressure of United, they were able to break the deadlock early in the match and lead the game, which we have not seen in the last few games. Following Bruno's 100th goal, United stuck to the formation and hardly gave any chances to 10-man Chelsea. The pressure kept on building as the visitors were not able to have the ball, which eventually gave United their 2nd goal from the set piece. But just before the half-time whistle was blown, another game-changing moment came where the Brazilian Midfielder Casemiro was given 2nd yellow, which could've changed the halftime talk at both ends.

The second half began with somewhat the same momentum, but it was evident that Enzo Maresca’s side was seeking an opportunity to claw their way back, especially as United were also reduced to ten men after a controversial second yellow card. Reece James, largely unmarked on the pitch, became Chelsea’s focal point, creating a flurry of chances down the right flank. One of these opportunities was converted when James’ precise cross found a teammate in the box, which was converted, giving Chelsea hope of a comeback in the remaining time. The 7-minute additional time came as a blessing for the London-based club, as they were the ones who had the complete possession. But at last, it was United's day on which they completely capitalized. For sure, the game will charge the players for the upcoming fixtures.

Here are the Manchester United Vs Chelsea Player Ratings

Manchester United Player Ratings vs Chelsea

Here are Manchester United Player Ratings vs Chelsea

Goalkeeper

Altay Bayındır - 6.0: He conceded a goal but couldn't have done much. His distribution was a major concern for us. A pass accuracy of 38% is simply not good enough at this level. He made a couple of clearances and one punch. It was a shaky performance under pressure.

Defenders

Matthijs de Ligt - 7.5: A very composed performance from the Dutchman. He was solid at the back, winning most of his duels. We noticed he was a commanding presence, especially in the air. His positioning was excellent throughout the match. He even blocked a crucial shot. A top defensive display.

Harry Maguire - 7.5: Provided a clever header for Casemiro's goal. He was very solid before being substituted. What stood out was his reading of the game. He won his tackles and made a key interception. A really positive outing for the defender.

Luke Shaw - 7.0: A typically reliable performance from Shaw. He was defensively sound, making several tackles and interceptions. He kept his side of the pitch locked down. Going forward he was a bit quiet. But his main job was to defend, and he did it well.

Midfielders

Noussair Mazraoui - 7.5: An outstanding first 65 minutes from him. We were impressed by his 100% duel success rate. He was everywhere, making tackles and driving forward. His key pass showed his attacking quality. It was a surprise to see him subbed off.

Bruno Fernandes - 8.0: The captain led by example. He scored the crucial opening goal with a poacher's finish. He was a constant threat and always looked to create something. His work rate was immense, as always. From our perspective, he was the best player on the pitch. Our man of the match.

Patrick Dorgu - 7.5: What an assist for the first goal. He was a constant menace down the left flank. He also created another big chance. We loved his energy and directness. He did get caught offside once. A very promising performance.

Casemiro - 5.0: The definition of a mixed game. He scored a great header to make it 2-0. But then he got himself sent off with two needless yellow cards. His lack of discipline put his team under immense pressure. The goal bumps his rating up slightly, but it was a liability.

Forwards

Amad Diallo - 6.5: He worked tirelessly for the team. His passing was neat and tidy. However, he lacked a decisive final ball. He was caught offside a couple of times. A decent shift but without much end product.

Bryan Mbeumo - 6.5: Looked very dangerous in the early stages. He had a few shots but couldn't find the target. His influence waned as the game went on. A lively but ultimately frustrating performance.

Benjamin Sesko - 5.5: It was a tough outing for the striker. He was sacrificed at halftime after the red card. He barely had a touch of the ball. We can't be too harsh given the circumstances.

Substitutes

Manuel Ugarte - 6.5: Came on to add defensive stability after the red card. He did his job effectively. Matheus Cunha - 6.0: Added some fresh legs but had little impact. Mason Mount - 6.0: Didn't have much time to influence the game. Leny Yoro - 6.0: Brought on to see out the win. Kobbie Mainoo - N/A: On for the final few minutes.

Manager

R. Amorim - 7.0: His initial game plan worked perfectly. His team exploited the extra man brilliantly. The Casemiro red card forced a change in approach. His substitutions were pragmatic and helped secure the three points. A good day at the office.

Chelsea Player Ratings vs Manchester United

Here are Chelsea Player Ratings vs Manchester United

Goalkeeper

Robert Sánchez - 1.0: An absolute moment of madness. Getting a straight red card after five minutes is unforgivable. He completely ruined his team's chances. From our perspective, it's one of the worst decisions we've seen. An easy choice for the worst performer.

Defenders

Marc Cucurella - 5.0: He had a torrid time against United's attack. He was booked and committed several fouls. He looked completely overwhelmed by the pace of the game. It was no surprise he was substituted.

Trevoh Chalobah - 7.5: The clear standout player for Chelsea. He scored a fantastic header to give his team hope. Defensively, he was immense with eight clearances. He showed real fight and determination. A great performance in a losing side.

Reece James - 6.0: A very mixed performance from the captain. He provided a great assist for the goal. But his error led to a goal for United. We expect more consistency from a player of his quality. A day he'll want to forget.

Wesley Fofana - 6.0: He was decent before being substituted. He made a number of clearances. He didn't do anything particularly wrong. But he also didn't impose himself on the game. A quiet and steady performance.

Midfielders

Enzo Fernández - 6.0: Tried his best to dictate play from midfield. It was an impossible task with ten men. He kept the ball moving but lacked his usual creative spark. He also picked up a yellow card for a frustrated challenge.

Moisés Caicedo - 7.0: A real warrior in the middle of the park. He won an impressive number of tackles and duels. He never stopped running and fighting for his team. What stood out was his incredible work rate. A very strong performance under difficult circumstances.

Pedro Neto - N/A: On the pitch for only seven minutes. He was sacrificed after the red card. Not enough time to make any impact.

Cole Palmer - N/A: Similar to Neto, he was subbed early on. Unfortunate for him, as he couldn't influence the game.

Estêvão - N/A: Lasted only six minutes before making way for the substitute keeper. Impossible to give him a rating.

Forwards

João Pedro - 6.5: A very difficult and lonely job for him up front. He worked incredibly hard, winning duels and drawing fouls. He was isolated for large parts of the game. He showed good fight but had no real chances to score.

Substitutes

Filip Jörgensen - 6.5: Came on in a tough situation. He made one good save. Tosin Adarabioyo - 6.0: Slotted into the defense. Andrey Santos - 6.0: Tried to add energy. Tyrique George - 5.5: Was a bit reckless and got a yellow. Malo Gusto - 6.0: Provided an outlet on the wing.

Manager

E. Maresca - 6.0: His entire game plan was destroyed after five minutes. It's incredibly hard to judge him on this match. His team showed good spirit to get a goal back. He managed a very difficult situation as best he could.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Bruno Fernandes