AFCON 2025
Manchester United’s two first half goals proved the difference on Saturday night as the Red Devils picked maximum points over Chelsea.
Ruben Amorim’s men survived Chelsea’s second half onslaught under a heavy downpour at Old Trafford.
Robert Sanchez’s tackle on Bryan Mbeumo reduced Chelsea to men early in the first half as the advantage swung to United’s favour.
Bruno Fernandes 100th goal put the host ahead after 14 minutes as he latched on a header from Patrick Dorgu in the box.
Casemiro doubled Manchester United’s lead with a header from Harry Maguire’s headed pass into the far post.
Manchester United were reduced to 10 men as Casemiro picked up his second yellow card after a foul on Andrey Santos.
The Red Devils played second best to Chelsea in the second half conceding possession to the visitors.
Chelsea took advantage of United frailties defending set pieces and crosses as the pit most of their balls into the face of goal with Recce James’s crosses.
Trevor Chalobah pounced on Recce James’s cross with a powerful header into the bottom of goal to reduce the deficit with 10 minutes left on the clock.
Manchester United’s held on to their lead to the final blast of the whistle as the tie ended in favour of the host.
