Scott McTominay scored twice to secure a big win for Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United project — a 2-1 defeat of Chelsea at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
McTominay’s fourth and fifth goals of the Premier League season send United three points behind fourth-place Manchester City and nine points off the top of the table.
[ WATCH: Premier League on Peacock ]
Chelsea got a goal from Cole Palmer but were decided second-best on the day. The Blues kept 55 percent of the ball but also allowed United to run 4.07 xG to just 1.4. And Chelsea’s 13 shot attempts — a respectable number — were 15 shy of United’s total.
Chelsea remain 10th with 19 points, seven points off seventh-place Newcastle United.
Mr. Moment — McTominay again the hero for Ten Hag’s United
Erik ten Hag has presided over a perceived mess this season at Manchester United, and one man more than any other has bailed him out not once, not twice, but thrive.
Scott McTominay has five goals this Premier League season and they’ve all been huge
- Two in stoppage time to avoid a sad home loss to Brentford after United started the season with three wins and four losses.
- The opener in a one-goal win over Sheffield United two weeks later
- These two goals versus Chelsea, which came after an insipid display at Newcastle.
The soon-to-be 27 year old (Friday) now has United — somehow — on the verge of a return to the top four. A win over Bournemouth on Saturday will keep the Red Devils in decent table position ahead of potentially-scary fights with Bayern Munich and Liverpool.
Then again, with McTominay starring as the man of their moments, maybe United will be just fine.
What’s next?
Chelsea goes to Everton at 9am ET Sunday, while Manchester United hosts Bournemouth at 10am ET Saturday.
Manchester United vs Chelsea final score: 2-1
Goal: McTominay (19', 70'), Palmer (45')
How to watch Manchester United vs Chelsea live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 3:15 pm ET, Wednesday (Dec. 6)
TV channel: Peacock
Online: Watch via Peacock Premium
Manchester United vs Chelsea player ratings
Manchester United vs Chelsea player ratings (fotmob.com)
Manchester United vs Chelsea player ratings (fotmob.com)
Manchester United vs Chelsea live updates - By Nick Mendola
Scott McTominay strikes again!
Who’s delivered more timely moments than this guy?!
Scott McTominay is among a host of Red Devils charging the back post, and he beats Rasmus Hojlund to Alejandro Garnacho’s cross.
It’s 2-1 United with 20 minutes to go at Old Trafford.
Cole Palmer goal video: 1-1
Myhailo Mudryk cuts a pass inside for Cole Palmer, who drives across the 18 and then cuts a cute ball back across the goal instead of cueing up Nicolas Jackson.
Looks like Andre Onana was expecting the pass, and can’t reach Palmer’s ball.
It nestles inside the far post, and we’re level, as Andre Onana couldn’t repeat a previous terrific stop on Jackson.
Scott McTominay goal video: 1-0
Not quite an unholy goal mouth scramble, but it’s not holy, either.
Anyway, it’s not a surprise to see Scott McTominay as the one who scores this kind of clean-up goal, snapping a low shot home to give United a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute.
Bruno Fernandes penalty SAVED: Captain fails to convert VAR-awarded pen
Uh oh, there’s a pitchside review here.
Antony fails to control the ball inside the Man United box, but it’s helped him to the spot as Enzo Fernandez’s boot hit the Brazilian’s foot and VAR is calling it a penalty.
Bruno Fernandes steps to the spot, and Robert Sanchez guesses correctly to deny the Portuguese an opener.
Still scoreless.
Robert Sanchez save highlights Man United’s early control
Manchester United has started well, with Diogo Dalot driving the play up the right before Bruno Fernandes pops a shot over the goal.
Then it’s another United shot, this time from the left, and Robert Sanchez doesn’t look super confident in parrying the ball.
Dalot then rips a vicious cross that Marc Cucurella deals with and delivers a United corner that comes to nothing.
Bright.
Manchester United lineup
🚨 Your #MUNCHE team news is in! 👊#MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 6, 2023
Chelsea lineup
🎙️💬 ‘And now for tonight's Chelsea team…’@ParimatchUK | #CFC | #MunChe pic.twitter.com/rvhZvY4Xto
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 6, 2023
Focus on Manchester United, injury news
OUT: Casemiro (ankle), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Christian Eriksen (knee), Tyrell Malacia (undisclosed), Jadon Sancho (disciplinary - club), Amad Diallo (knee), Jonny Evans (thigh) | QUESTIONABLE: Mason Mount (calf)
Focus on Chelsea, injury news
OUT: Ben Chilwell (hamstring), Wesley Fofana (torn ACL), Conor Gallagher (suspension), Carney Chukwuemeka (knee), Trevoh Chalobah (thigh) | QUESTIONABLE: Christopher Nkunku (knee), Romeo Lavia (ankle), Malo Gusto (undisclosed)
