Manchester United celebrate Cunha’s goal. (Image: Getty)
Manchester United returned to winning ways at Stamford Bridge with another important victory for Michael Carrick as manager, with a 1-0 win over Chelsea thanks to a goal from Matheus Cunha to seal the three points. Carrick won four of the top six teams and the result moved United closer to a return to the Champions League, with them now 10 points clear of Chelsea with five games remaining.
Chelsea had the upper hand in the early stages, but just before half-time United scored a familiar goal from their creator. Bruno Fernandes broke past Alejandro Garnacho on the right and fired a low shot that found Cunha. This ultimately proved to be enough as United fought to maintain their advantage after the interval. Here are the players’ ratings at Stamford Bridge:
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Senne Lamence: A meek first-half effort from Enzo Fernandes that could have led to Chelsea’s canceled goal and a wayward miskick in the second period, but he remained calm throughout. 7
Diogo Dalot: He is used to the threat Garnacho presents and would have shown he knows exactly how to contain him. He physically dominated in front of traveling supporters and was warmly received. 8
Nousser Mazraoui: It was a contrasting type of test for a centre-back in a back four, but he put in a great performance. Strong in aerial combat and reliable on deck. 7
Aiden Haven: Escaped punishment for an early challenge on Cole Palmer just outside the box, but found his rhythm with a fine tackle on Liam Delap and put in a solid performance in the second half. 7
Luke Shaw: We regularly encountered Pedro Neto and Palmer on the flanks, but we used that experience to support us and gave it our all. He was aggressive in the tackles and was excellent defensively. 7
Casemiro: He scored some important headers defensively and interpreted the game effectively in the second half. His experience proved invaluable in the first half, although he took a touch passive to stop Fernandes in the box. 7
Matheus Cunha scored the only goal of the match. (Image: Getty)
Koby Mainu: I would say this ranks as one of his best defensive performances. He regained possession several times and positioned himself wisely for interceptions. At one stage they ousted Palmer. 8
Brian Mbeumo: After resting, my symptoms improved significantly and I looked more energetic than I have in a while. Cunha’s sharp shot from the right side was worth more than his poor touch. 7
Bruno Fernandes: Things were a little shaky until he made a nice assist just before half-time. They may have added another point in the second half, but their counter-attacks were not consistently sharp. Our partnership with Cunha is growing every week. 7
Matheus Cunha: He missed one promising chance with an awkward touch, but proved he had learned his lesson by converting with his first touch from Fernandes’ cross. I felt more confident afterwards. 8
Benjamin Sesco: His contribution to Cunha’s goal was somewhat unremarkable, as his power allowed him to engage with Moises Caicedo and help prevent him from cutting out crosses or blocking Cunha. 7
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Mason Mount: Back at Stamford Bridge, booed and stuck. 7
Amado: It doesn’t take long to make an impact. 6
Joshua Zirkzee: I arrived late. 6
Subs not featured: Altay Bindir, Tyrell Malasia, Manuel Ugarte, Tyler Fletcher, Jim Thwaites, Shea Lacy.
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