Manchester United beat Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Wednesday night in a game that saw both sides create and squander plenty of chances.
United, coming off the back of a rough few days in which rumours of disunity - firmly denied by Erik ten Hag - were rife, impressed with the way they approached the game.
The home side played with intensity and desire, rewarded when Scott McTominay scored either side of a Cole Palmer equaliser. Chelsea did hit the woodwork twice, but their play lacked tempo or refined quality, leading to the aay fans booing those dressed in blue off the pitch at the end.
It was clear that the hero of the night was McTominay, who could easily have finished with four.
Who needs strikers when you have Scott McTominay? 😅 pic.twitter.com/fzXDh87RyY
— 90min (@90min_Football) December 6, 2023
United's recent dominance in this fixture also continued.
For the first time in the club’s history, Man Utd have gone 12 league games unbeaten against Chelsea
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 6, 2023
WDDWWDDDDDWW
McSauce is the match-winner. 🥫 pic.twitter.com/ZImja8zN7b
Mostly, the performance from players dressed in red was about making a statement and putting up a united front after the events of recent days.
Well, Erik ten Hag hasn't lost 50% of the dressing room, has he?
— Rob Blanchette (@_Rob_B) December 6, 2023
An excellent night's work by #MUFC. One of the best displays of the season and the reaction we demanded.
Antony and Garnacho did the work United needed in wide areas to set the trap. Chelsea were hopeless playing…
The consensus was they did just that.
Manchester United - result and performance ✅ fought for each other, fought for the manager, deserved winners. Garnacho, McTominay, Maguire, Amrabat and Shaw particularly impressed. Played with real intensity - now need that intensity every game. #MUNCHE
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) December 6, 2023
Credit where it’s due, since I’m often critical, United reacted tonight. Should be converting more chances and still loose defending transition but it was much better than Saturday.
— Scott Saunders (@__scottsaunders) December 6, 2023
Challenge is, as McTominay said, showing that amount of commitment consistently. A performance…
Several individuals, some of whom have had rocky season, impressed.
Fantastic United performance. Free flowing attacking football. So much intensity throughout. Garnacho, Mctominay, Amrabat and Maguire all sensational. https://t.co/p7Q8LR6qqr
— Gaz Drinkwater (@Radio_Gaz) December 6, 2023
Alejandro Garnacho has come so far already. No goals tonight but a constant threat. Such improvement in his defensive work too. Really impressive.
— Si Lloyd (@SmnLlyd5) December 6, 2023
Antony needed a big game and he had one.
Antony’s game by numbers vs. Chelsea:
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) December 6, 2023
77% pass accuracy
52 touches
23/30 passes completed
7/12 ground duels won
4 dribbles
4 fouls won
2/3 tackles won
1 key pass
1 penalty won
Top showing. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/pj6b5x71k9
As for Chelsea...the response wasn't kind.
Chelsea.
— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) December 6, 2023
A whole lot of money spent for a whole lot of Ls. pic.twitter.com/17XZmP9MbJ
Mauricio Pochettino's team are going in the wrong direction.
Utterly embarrassing from Chelsea and, coming so soon after Newcastle, a performance that leaves very little cause to think this season can be salvaged. Alarming
— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) December 6, 2023
There seems to be no strategy or plan in place.
Chelsea: over a billion spent across three transfer windows, eleven points off top four, failed to win 34 of their last 44 Premier League games, not been above tenth at the end of any gameweek this season. There’s a plan there, and pain can precede progress, but this is wild.
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) December 6, 2023
I understand the Arsenal project.
— Mod (@CFCMod_) December 6, 2023
I understand the Newcastle project.
I understand the Aston Villa project.
Right now I’m lost and I cannot be blamed for no longer understanding the Chelsea project.
The back four in particular at Old Trafford raised eyebrows.
I think one of the biggest problems is Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t know who his best back four is. Chopping and changing is helping no one.
— Olivia Buzaglo (@OliviaBuzaglo) December 6, 2023
Go with a left-back at left-back, Levi Colwill & one other at centre-back & Reece James at right-back. #CFC
And if you're a Chelsea fan, remember there are other options to see a decent team right now.
If you want to watch decent football from a team that actually knows what they are doing at Stamford Bridge - Chelsea play BK Hacken in the UWCL in about 10 days. Get a ticket now.
— Rob (@Journalism_RP) December 6, 2023
