Premier League GW15 - Man United vs Chelsea

Man United vs Chelsea | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Manchester United and Chelsea played an exciting Premier League match at Old Trafford that had spectators on the edge of their seats. The drama continued with saves from penalties, chances lost, and a magnificent performance by Scott McTominay, which helped United win 2-1 in the end.

Man United:

The pressure is back on United and their manager Erik ten Hag, who yesterday defended the club's decision to bar a number of reporters from his press conference amid reports he had lost the support of his players. United was the division's best team just a week ago. Following a trip to Newcastle United, when United was lucky to just lose 1-0, those reports were released.

Chelsea:

Chelsea defeated Brighton on Sunday, although they have been incredibly inconsistent this season, having won three consecutive away games before losing their most recent away game at St James' Park. The Blues, who have not defeated United in 11 top-flight meetings, last triumphed at Old Trafford in May 2013 and last defeated them in November 2017.

Starting XI:

MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1):

Andre Onana; Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw; Scott McTominay, Sofyan Amrabat; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho; Rasmus Hojlund.

MANCHESTER UNITED SUBS: Altay Bayindir, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Sergio Reguilon, Facundo Pellistri, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Donny van de Beek, Jonny Evans, Kobbie Mainoo.

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1):

Robert Sanchez; Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Raheem Sterling, Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk; Nicolas Jackson.

CHELSEA SUBS: Dorde Petrovic, Benoit Badiashile, Armando Broja, Reece James, Ian Maatsen, Deivid Washington, Alfie Gilchrist, Alex Matos, Leo Castledine.

Old Trafford Stadium | Picture Credits: Sports Illustrated

First Half: Drama from the Spot and Palmer's Precision

Hojlund put Chelsea's goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, to the test early in the game, resulting in an early save. When Antony hesitated to shoot, Fernandez challenged him, and United was awarded a penalty. This is when VAR came into play in the seventh minute. But Sanchez turned out to be Chelsea's savior, saving Bruno Fernandes, and Alejandro Garnacho's rebound shot went over.

Chelsea was having trouble, but in the twelfth minute, Mudryk struck the crossbar, sending a warning message. In the 19th minute, McTominay scored for United, taking advantage of Maguire's blocked shot following a corner. This proved to be successful.

In the 45th minute, Chelsea equalized as the half was coming to an end. With incredible dexterity, Cole Palmer dribbled around the penalty area before finishing precisely in the far bottom-right corner, rendering Onana useless. Both teams were tied at one goal at the break.

The score at the end of the first half showed how interesting the game was. Even though United was winning, Chelsea was still in the game because to Sanchez's heroics, particularly the penalty save. Palmer's brilliant goal kept Chelsea at par and created the conditions for an exciting second half.

Second Half: McTominay's Double and Late Drama

McTominay again lived up to the occasion in the second half. He took advantage of a well-placed cross by Garnacho in the 69th minute, heading the ball high into the net to give United a 2-1 lead. After a collision with Colwill, the goal resisted a VAR inspection.

Chelsea made an effort to rally, but United's defense remained strong. McTominay had a chance to score a hat-trick in the 72nd minute, but Sanchez was fast off the line to block the shot. Chelsea pushed for an equalizer as the game was coming to an end.

Chelsea came agonizingly close to tying the scoring during injury time. Broja was found by Reece James's cross, and his strong header struck the upright. Play went on despite a second ball being on the field creating a chaotic scene. Chelsea was denied by the post, and United won 2-1 to claim victory.

United Triumph and Chelsea's Frustration

McTominay's brace was the difference that allowed Manchester United to win the match, which was well-deserved. Erik ten Hag, United's manager, is relieved as the team moves up to sixth place. Chelsea, on the other hand, is frustrated because it can't seem to capitalize on opportunities and is inconsistent.

While United revels in their victory, all eyes are on their matchup with Bournemouth, where they hope to continue to gain ground. Chelsea is hoping to rectify their inconsistent play as they prepare for a vital match against Everton. It was a football extravaganza, and until the next exciting match, good bye to this exciting Premier League match at Old Trafford.

McTominay scored and gave Man United the lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Palmer's goal levelled the score right before half time | Picture Credits: Sportskeeda

McTominay scored again and gave Man United a 2-1 lead | Picture Credits: Goal.com Website