Manchester United produced a blistering first-half performance to take a commanding 2–0 lead over Chelsea in their Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a composed finish, before Casemiro doubled the advantage in the 37th minute, converting from a well-executed corner routine.
The game, however, was far from short of drama. Chelsea were reduced to ten men inside the opening five minutes when goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge outside his area. Manchester United took full advantage of the numerical superiority, dominating possession and creating chances at will.
But just when United seemed firmly in control, the momentum threatened to shift. In stoppage time of the first half, Casemiro, who had earlier scored, picked up a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving both sides to continue the second half with ten men each.
United went into the break in high spirits, backed by a vibrant Old Trafford crowd, while Chelsea’s defensive frailties and lack of composure under pressure left them with a mountain to climb.
The second half promises to be intense, as Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea look for a way back into the game, while Erik ten Hag’s men aim to secure all three points and build on their dominant start.
