Manchester United beat Chelsea 2-1 in a fiery Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Saturday, giving under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim some relief.
The game erupted in the fifth minute when Chelsea keeper Robert Sanchez was sent off for a reckless challenge on Bryan Mbeumo. United took advantage, with Bruno Fernandes scoring in the 14th minute, his 100th goal for the club in his 200th league appearance.
Casemiro doubled the lead in the 37th minute, heading in after Chelsea’s defense faltered. But the Brazilian was sent off just before halftime for a second yellow card, leaving both teams to finish with 10 men.
Trevoh Chalobah pulled one back for Chelsea in the 80th minute, but United held on for the win, only their second in six games across all competitions.
The result moved United up to ninth in the table, easing pressure on Amorim, whose side had started the weekend just above the relegation zone.
Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag last November, has been under scrutiny after United’s worst league finish in decades last season, a Europa League final loss, and a League Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby. Despite big summer spending, poor results raised doubts about his future.
Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, who met Amorim during the week, was in the stands to watch. Amorim stuck to his 3-4-3 system despite criticism, and his players delivered enough to secure three points in a tense encounter.
Chelsea’s defeat was their first league loss of the season, compounded by Cole Palmer going off injured in the first half.
