Manchester United secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea in a rain-drenched Premier League match at Old Trafford on September 20, 2025.
Bruno Fernandes scored his 100th goal for the club in the 13th minute, and Casemiro added a second before his red card in first-half stoppage time.
Chelsea pulled one back late through Trevoh Chalobah’s header, but United held on despite both teams finishing with 10 men after Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez was sent off early.
This win lifts United to 10th with 7 points from 5 games, while Chelsea drops to 6th with 9.
Fans across Europe and the UK celebrated the drama as of 10:45 AM IST today, Sunday, September 21, 2025.
Match Highlights and Goals
Heavy rain turned Old Trafford into a slippery battleground, but United struck first in the 13th minute.
Fernandes latched onto a loose ball after Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu combined, firing past Filip Jörgensen for his milestone strike on his 200th Premier League appearance.
The game exploded in the 5th minute when Sánchez fouled Bryan Mbeumo outside the box, earning a straight red card and forcing Enzo Maresca’s early subs: Jörgensen in goal and Tosin Adarabioyo into defense.
United capitalized in the 37th minute when Casemiro headed in Luke Shaw’s cross after Reece James failed to clear.
Tensions boiled over in added time when Casemiro fouled Andrey Santos, picking up a second yellow and reducing United to 10 men.
Chelsea rallied in the 80th minute, with Chalobah heading home James’s cross to make it 2-1, but Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt’s last-ditch defending held firm.
United had 61% possession and 25 shots, but Chelsea’s resilience kept it close.
Key Players and Tactical Shifts
Fernandes dominated with his goal, assist, and leadership, rated 8.5 by fans.
Casemiro’s strike and aggression earned praise from Ruben Amorim, who called it proof he “cares deeply.”
Mbeumo impressed with his movement, while Diallo’s late interventions sealed the points.
Chelsea’s Chalobah (7.5) shone with his header, but Sánchez’s red (0) and Cole Palmer’s injury exit hurt them.
Maresca’s switches to a defensive shape after the sending-off limited damage, but United’s 3-4-3 pressed effectively.
Manager Reactions
Amorim hailed the “resilience” in his press conference: “We suffered together and won together—Casemiro’s red made it complicated, but his aggression shows he wants to win.”
He backed the Brazilian despite the ban: “With five Champions Leagues, he knows what he’s doing.”
On the win, he added, “It’s important for the confidence—we’re on the right path.”
Maresca fumed at VAR: “The red card changed everything, but we fought back well.” He noted Palmer’s groin issue as a blow.
Broader Context
This marks United’s first back-to-back home league wins since April 2024, easing pressure on Amorim after the City derby loss.
Chelsea’s unbeaten run ends, their first league defeat this season.
The rain-soaked chaos drew comparisons to classic Old Trafford mud-battles, with Fernandes’ milestone adding historic flair.
Fan Reactions on X
Social media exploded with joy and relief. One fan posted, “Fernandes’ 100th and Casemiro’s header—United’s heart beats strong!”
Another cheered, “2-1 in the rain—Amorim magic!”
What’s Next?
United faces Brentford away on September 28, aiming for a third straight win.
Chelsea hosts Lincoln in the League Cup midweek, then Newcastle on September 27.
The result boosts United’s top-half push.
Stay tuned for more Premier League action!