“The players have to…”: United hero lifts the lid on how the team worked in tandem to cause Chelsea to go a man down

Manchester United emerged 2-1 winners against Chelsea in their entertaining Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Bruno Fernandes scored his team’s first from a brilliant cross from Noussair Mazraoui which was headed towards goal by Patrick Dorgu.

The goal was his 100th for the Red Devils on what was his 200th Premier League appearance for the club.

“Obviously I’m very proud of that – two massive milestones. Not something I was aiming for. I just aimed to play the next game,” the club captain told BBC Sport.

Bruno Fernandes on milestone achievement

On his achievement, the Portuguese star told Sky Sports, “Every goal is important, doesn’t matter the moment. Big moment for me to reach that milestone for a massive club, I won’t hide from that. If I can get more goals to help the team that’s what matters the most.”

What led to the win was the pivotal red card for Robert Sanchez in the Chelsea goal. It was route one football, straight from Altay Bayindir’s long kick to Benjamin Sesko winning the flick on.

Bryan Mbeumo got to the ball ahead of the Blues keeper, and the Portugal international claimed that the team had been working on this move in training and it paid off finally.

He also revealed that the team was instructed to press high and play with intensity, which allowed the home side to take a two-goal lead into the break.

Pressure led to red card

“We got the [Chelsea’s] red card because our mentality was starting the game so strong. The players have to run behind whenever Ben goes for the ball and that’s what Bryan did.”

The skipper also heaped praise on his defenders. “United’s red didn’t change anything. We wanted to close the middle. Without Delap who makes the runs for the team, Joao Pedro wants to link up.

“We gave them the chance to go down the side and then close them with our wing-backs. Our centre-backs were very good to defend the box.”

Hopefully, now the team can build on this, and continue their climb up the table. Up next, is a away game against Brentford.

Feature image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social