Scott McTominay is the hero as Manchester United defeat Chelsea.
Scott McTominay’s brace gave Manchester United and their under-fire manager Erik ten Hag a much-needed victory over Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea.
Wednesday’s match at Old Trafford contrasted two Premier League titans going through growing pains as they seek to reclaim their place as title contenders.
United were under added strain going into the game after allegations of player dissatisfaction with Ten Hag, whose team responded with a spirited 2-1 victory.
McTominay was the hero as the Dutchman’s team deservedly defeated the Blues, whose manager Pochettino was considered United’s main adversary when he was appointed.
The first goal came midway through the first half, which began with Robert Sanchez saving a penalty from Bruno Fernandes and ended with a beautiful equalizer from former Manchester City player Cole Palmer.
McTominay restored the hosts’ lead with a powerful header, and Chelsea replacement Armando Broja had a late header hit the post as United bounced back from a lifeless loss at Newcastle on Saturday.
Ten Hag made four substitutions from St James’ Park, including Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, and was rewarded with a good start.
Scott McTominay is the hero as Manchester United defeat Chelsea.
Chelsea keeper Sanchez made a great save in the ninth minute to deny Rasmus Hojlund’s low early shot.
Enzo Fernandez caught Antony while nudging the ball on, prompting VAR David Coote to instruct Chris Kavanagh to review the pitchside monitor.
After analyzing the incident, the referee signalled to the spot, only for Fernandes to follow a slow run-up with a bad strike that Sanchez met with a strong hand down to his right.
Sofyan Amrabat breathed a sigh of relief soon after Mykhailo Mudryk hit the foot of the post when his sloppy pass was cut out as play continued to swing from end to end.
United’s defence appeared vulnerable, although they were superior in possession than Chelsea.
Sanchez denied Alejandro Garnacho and Antony before a close-range attempt from the latter was blocked, and the game’s first goal came in the 19th minute.
McTominay controlled the loose ball and fizzed between skipper Levi Colwill’s legs and past Sanchez after Garnacho cut back for Harry Maguire to get free a shot that Marc Cucurella stopped.
In the 32nd minute, the Scotland international could have had a second, but Sanchez saved his six-yard header from Fernandes’ superb cross before halting his follow-up.
But it wasn’t all one-way street. Andre Onana spread himself well to deny Nicolas Jackson on the break before watching Mudryk direct a low drive barely wide.
The Ukraine international should have done better there, but he did help the Blues equalize in the 45th minute, albeit Palmer gets credit rather than the player who assisted.
Palmer stretched to collect the ball, surged across the edge of the box under pressure from Victor Lindelof, and found space to fire a crisp, low shot trickling back past the goal line into the far corner.
A gut punch was nearly followed up moments later as Mudryk’s corner was flicked on, with Jackson beating Diogo Dalot to head narrowly over.
As United resumed their drive, Garnacho bending slightly off target, with Antony’s shot deflecting wide for a corner, despite claims for handball falling on deaf ears. The VAR investigated the event.
The hosts were on top, and Garnacho delivered a cross to the far post, where McTominay beat his man and headed beyond Sanchez.
Colwill lay on the deck, claiming a push that was examined by VAR, but the goal was cleared after review.
United sought for a quick third, and McTominay missed a hat-trick opportunity when Antony cut out a Sanchez ball.
