Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea (6 Dec, 2023) Game Analysis

Manchester United's Scott McTominay scored either side of half-time to earn his side a well-deserved 2-1 Premier League win over Chelsea at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

United dominated in a victory that propelled Erik ten Hag's beleaguered side, who have been dogged by recent reports of dressing room unrest, to sixth place in the table on 27 points – three less than the first four – after 15 matches. Chelsea are 10th with 19 points.

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United peppered Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez with 28 shots, nine of them on target, in a formidable fightback from Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Newcastle which McTominay described as “dreadful.

“The boys were so unhappy with the way we played that game, it wasn't good enough, and to come out tonight and win was a plus and something we can build on,” the midfielder told Amazon Prime.

United's victory was their fourth in their last five league matches.

“After the last game at Newcastle it was not good,” said midfielder Sofyan Amrabat. “We wanted to react today to show the fans our energy and that we want to win.”

McTominay, who now has five league goals this season, opened the scoring in the 19th minute, taking a touch before firing in a left-footed volley after Harry Maguire's shot was blocked.

Chelsea's Cole Palmer, who grew up a United fan and was playing his first match at Old Trafford, equalized just before half-time when he fired a left-footed shot past defender Victor Lindelöf's legs and past goalkeeper André Onana.

McTominay's second of the night came in the 69th minute when he headed in a precise cross from Alejandro Garnacho.

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, who were heavily criticized for their lackadaisical efforts on Saturday, were left out of the starting line-up.

United captain Bruno Fernandes saw a penalty saved in the ninth minute after VAR determined Antony had committed a foul in the penalty area.

McTominay had numerous chances to complete a hat-trick, including during a frantic few seconds when Sanchez denied him with a superb double save just before the break.

“The other team deserved the victory,” Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino said. “It was difficult at the beginning. They showed enormous energy.”