Manchester United sealed their Champions League return and continued their solid debut campaign under Erik ten Hag after beating Chelsea 4-1.
Casemiro kicked off the emphatic victory at Old Trafford after netting home Christian Eriksen’s free-kick and Anthony Martial put the hosts on cruise control, despite Frank Lampard’s side squandering several golden chances, before the half time.
United then wrapped up the three points thanks to Bruno Fernandes’ cool penalty, the kick awarded after Wesley Fofana’s clumsy tackle. There was also still time for Marcus Rashford to overtake Kepa Arrizabalaga on the second request.
Chelsea brought home a goal through Joao Felix but the feeble effort, buried in David de Gea and the far corner, was not enough to mask another poor performance.
Here, Mail Sport’s CHRIS WHEELER assessed the two groups of players…
Manchester United sealed their Champions League return after beating Chelsea 4-0
Bruno Fernandes coolly netted a second-half penalty to all but wrapped up the three points
Visitors were doomed to another nightmare day after squandering golden chances
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1)
David de Gea – 6.5
A solid evening. Will be disappointed to have conceded so late.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 7
Another good display and has clearly become Ten Hag’s first choice here.
Raphael Varane – 7
Held firm as Chelsea pushed forward and approached a clean sheet.
Victor Lindelof – 7
Strong in possession. Forged a good agreement with Raphaël Varane.
Luke Shaw (off 46min) – 6.5
Removed as a precaution during the break. It would be a big miss for the final.
Casemiro – 8
On the scoresheet once again and controlling the midfield.
Casemiro broke the deadlock in the first half and set the tone for United’s comfortable win
Christian Eriksen (off 70min) – 7
Provided the assist for Casemiro and turned United around.
Anthony (off 28min) – 6
Injured early and can spend a long time on the sidelines.
Bruno Fernandes (off 85min) – 7
Should have scored earlier than him, but shone in the No.10 role.
Jadon Sancho – 6.5
Clearer decision-making and relying on help.
Anthony Martial (off 70min) – 6.5
Tapped home before the break to put United on cruise control.
Anthony Martial tapped on Jadon Sancho’s low pass to put the hosts on cruise control
Substitutes
Tyrell Malacia (on 46min) – 6
Replaced Shaw for the second period.
Fred (on 70min) – 6
Running for the last 20 minutes.
Marcus Rashford (on 28min) – 6.5
Looked clean on the flanks and scored.
Scott McTominay (on 85min) – N/A
Alejandro Garnacho (on 70min) – 6.5
Raised the crowd with several piercing runs.
Marcus Rashford (right) and Alejandro Garnacho both impressed after coming off the bench
Substitutes not used: Jack Butland, Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Wout Weghorst
Reserve: Malacia
Director: Erik ten Hag 7.5
CHELSEA (4-3-3)
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 5.5
Left miserably exposed by a porous defense and loose marking.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 6
Swept away in a bad second half, with a lot of his teammates.
Trevoh Chalobah – 5.5
A sloppy performance, on which United capitalized clinically.
Wesley Fofana – 5
Gave away a clumsy penalty, but nearly killing the game for his team.
Wesley Fofana gave away a clumsy second-half penalty, nearly killing the contest
Lewis Room – 6
Brilliant and consistent performance from the youngster in a testing environment.
Carney Chukwuemeka (excluding 82min) – 6.5
Demonstrated exactly why he deserves more minutes.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
Showed fire and flair in moments but couldn’t protect possession.
Conor Gallagher (off 82min) – 5
Below par and lost time and time again in the costly midfield battle.
Youngster Carney Chukwuemeka has impressed in midfield and deserves more playing time
Noni Madueke (off 82min) – 6.5
The best of Chelsea forwards and caused several problems for United.
Kai Havertz (excluding 64min) – 5.5
Unable to apply finishing touches when visitors were on top.
Mykhailo Mudryk (off 64min) – 5
A bit light and predictable again.
Substitutes
João Felix (on 64min) – 6
Cracked the consolation goal at home.
Christian Pulisic (on 64min) – 6
Worked hard during his cameo, but without reward.
David Datro Fofana (on 82min) – N/A
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (on 82min) – N/A
Hakim Ziyech (on 82min) – N/A
Joao Felix won a late consolation after passing several United players
Substitutes not used: Mendy, Silva, Koulibaly, Gilchrist
Reserve: Fernandez
Interim Manager: Frank Lampard 6
