Manchester United took on Chelsea on Saturday night and claimed an impressive victory.
It was a tough start at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea controlling proceedings as Manchester United set up more defensively.
But when Wesley Fofana went off momentarily for treatment, United took advantage through Bruno Fernandes, who put a brilliant ball into the box for Matheus Cunha to place it into the top corner first time.
Michael Carrick’s side were second best during much of the second half, but held on with solid defending from the new back two.
United held on to earn a 1-0 win over Chelsea. Here are five things we learned from the game.
Ayden Heaven is ready to start every week
United’s only available senior centre-back, and Ayden Heaven held his own in a high-pressure scenario against Chelsea.
Heaven looked like the most experienced player in that backline, winning duels and tackles expertly against tricky opposition.
He gave away a few silly fouls in the first half, but the performance should give Carrick confidence over a Harry Maguire and Heaven duo in the next two games.
Heaven will have proven a point or two to Carrick, who will be thrilled with what the 19-year-old showed.
Matheus Cunha shows elite quality
Cunha stepped up when it mattered to convert a brilliant chance in the first half, and his finish oozed the quality in front of goal that United have lacked lately.
The Brazilian took the chance first time, placing it into the top corner with real pace and poise, exactly what he was signed last summer to do.
What was impressive is Cunha missed an almost replicable chance earlier in the half as he took a bad touch to lose control. But he bounced back in the perfect way.
Bruno Fernandes closes the gap on record
With five games left to play, Fernandes has the Premier League assist record in his sights after his superb assist against Chelsea.
Fernandes sits on 18 assists, and the record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne jointly is 20, meaning United’s skipper needs two in five to match it, or three to beat it.
At the current rate of Fernandes’ form, he will absolutely break this record. It was a brilliant performance by the captain.
Alejandro Garnacho’s sale is aging like a fine wine
Alejandro Garnacho got his chance to face his former team when Estevao went off injured, and his performance won’t have United regretting his £40m sale.
Garnacho struggled all game as Diogo Dalot got the better of his former teammate with relative ease.
Every time Garnacho picked up the ball in attack, a sigh of relief was breathed by the away fans. Ineos robbed Chelsea blind for £40m.
Champions League football is within touching distance
In the race for a spot in next season’s Champions League, Manchester United took a massive step forward with a victory over Chelsea.
It moves the Red Devils 10 points clear in the Champions League positions above Chelsea, and with 15 points to play for, it is within touching distance.
Champions League here we come.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/cTXo4Rb