Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea – Premier League result as Ruben Amorim has 'nothing to say to critics' after Red Devils hold on to beat Blues

First-half goals from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro were enough for Manchester United to ease the pressure on Ruben Amorim by beating a Chelsea side who played 85 minutes with 10 men.

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez saw red with just five minutes played after racing outside his box and taking down Bryan Mbeumo who was running through on goal.

Marking his 200th Premier League appearance, Fernandes eased the Old Trafford tension by beating the offside trap and netting from Patrick Dorgu’s knocked-on ball.

United were in complete control during the first half and had a second goal with 37 minutes on the clock.

Chelsea were punished for poor defending as Reece James’ punt in the air was knocked down by Luke Shaw for Casemiro to net.

However, the momentum changed before the break when Casemiro received a second yellow card.

Chelsea dominated possession in the second half and eventually pulled a goal back as James found the free head of Trevoh Chalobah.

United were able to hold on through injury time to secure a much-needed win for United and Amorim, who was asked whether this result was about making a statement to his critics.

"It’s nothing about that," Amorim told Sky Sports. "People don’t have too many good things to say about our team and our results. I understand that, I’m just joking around all the time. I have nothing to say to the critics, they are right most of the time. But we won, and that’s a good thing for us."

Luke Shaw said that Manchester United ‘desperately’ wanted to beat Chelsea at Old Trafford.

"We spoke a lot about the game before about winning," he told Sky Sports.

"The most important thing today was winning and making sure that we got the three points. In the second half you could see how desperately we wanted to win.

"We sat back and took a lot of pressure from them."

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Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes described the three-point reward from his side’s 2-1 win over Chelsea as "massive".

"It’s a massive three points at this moment because we haven’t started the season as we wanted obviously," he told Sky Sports.

"We go game by game, today was massive and the next one for us will be massive too.

Goals from Fernandes and Casemiro eased the tension around Old Trafford and the pressure on Amorim.

A second win from three games takes the Reds up to ninth and eight points behind leaders Liverpool.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have to adapt to UEFA Champions League football as they looked jaded from their mid-week exploits.

Maresca’s side dominated possession in the second half without troubling goalkeeper Bayindir enough.

The second half has been far from convincing for United against a Chelsea side who still looked tired from mid-week. The Chalobah goal gave Chelsea fresh optimism but they lacked a late killer punch to equalise.

Unitee hold on for a 2-1 victory.

United hit on the counter-attack after James slipped on the ball. Cunha is driving through the middle before being taken down by Adarabioyo

James once again provides the Chelsea attack running towards the byline. The winger sends a low ball in which Bayindir manages to palm to Santos. However, his effort is blocked at close range by two defenders.

Chelsea still believe they will find an equaliser and they will have seven additional minutes to do so.

It’s another captains performance by Fernandes who is replaced by Mainoo

That could have been game over for Chelsea. The United talisman capitalises on a James error and then drives at the United defence.

The defence completely opens for Fernandes whose well-hit effort is saved by Bayindir.

It’s a simple goal back for Chelsea. James sends a floating cross onto the free head of Chalobah to nod home. Yoro was nowhere near thar cross.

It’s a half-chance for the United man. Fernandes' cross is initially cleared before being recycled and crossed for Diallo at the back post. However, his volley is well wide of the target when in a promising position.

The Chelsea man tries to chase down the goal kick of Bayindir. However, he catches the goalkeeper who when kicking his opponent looks hurt.

Mbeumo is taken off for Mount; Yoro comes on for Maguire

For Chelsea George replaces Fofana and Cucurella is replaced by Gusto.

Untired bring on Cunha for Mazraoui.

For a split second Chelsea thought they were back in the match. James’ corner was met by Tosin who headed the ball on for Fofana. However, the Chelsea defender was miles off-side.

James does well for Chelsea to beat the off-side trap and get a ball across the face of the United box. However, De Ligt arrives to meet the ball before Caicedo

The emphasis has really been taken on by Chelsea in this second half. United are sitting much deeper and allowing their visitors to get into their own half. Chelsea are also enjoying more possession than the first half.

United were on the break down the left following some nice passing. However, a hopeless ball from Dorgu is easily cleared.