Manchester United

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens loved the feeling of victory at Chelsea on Saturday night.

Despite having less possession, far fewer shots, only one of them on target, an expected goals (xG) of 0.29 compared to Chelsea's 1.55 and just 10 touches in the opposition box, United secured only their third win at Stamford Bridge since 2002 thanks to Matheus Cunha's first-half goal.

It went down well with the 3,000 travelling fans, who celebrated enthusiastically at the final whistle, their glee contrasting sharply with the disappointment of former United winger Alejandro Garnacho, who was ineffective after being introduced as a substitute in the first-half.

"It's very special," said Lammens. "You can feel the support, especially in the first half when you're playing in front of them.

"We had to fight for it. It wasn't the prettiest. But that's sometimes the most beautiful thing, when you deserve a hard-fought win and celebrate with the supporters as well."

The result was more notable because United went into the game with only one recognised central defender, 19-year-old England youth international Ayden Heaven, who was partnered by Noussair Mazraoui, who is normally a full-back.

The victory means United now require a maximum of eight points from their final five games to secure a place in next season's Champions League; and in all likelihood won't even need that given the number of matches between the other sides in contention.

Not that Lammens sees qualification as being an end in itself.

"We did a good job but we're not finished yet," he said.

"Even if we get it, we still want to win those last remaining games. Of course that's the first goal, but the next goal is also to keep looking up, and you never know."

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens loves the way Bruno Fernandes is driving the dressing room towards a higher level.

Fernandes claimed his 18th Premier League assist of the season when he set up Matheus Cunha for United's winner at Chelsea.

The Portugal international is now two short of equalling the record, jointly held by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne.

It makes him a genuine contender for the various player of the year awards, which will be handed out over the coming weeks and, as a relative newcomer, Lammens is thriving off Fernandes' influence.

"I can't praise him enough," said the Belgium international.

"I mean it's the way I like it; he's not always the most vocal but he is when he needs to be, especially before big games or when we have more difficulties.

"He is very hard on himself and everybody else. That's why maybe sometimes he can look a little bit frustrated when it's not going our way.

"But that's the way it has to be at this level. He wants to win Champions Leagues and the Premier League.

"He tries to give us that as well and take us to his level."

Fernandes' latest assist involved a driving run down the right and a cut-back that was perfect for Cunha to apply the first-time finish.

It was not a surprise for Lammens, although he says the 31-year-old's abilities are not restricted to creating chances.

"It's no surprise because we see it in training every day," he said. "He wants to be an example for us.

"You think he cannot be any better, but then, in these big moments, in these big games, he delivers with the ball and without as well.

"Most of you only see the assistance with the ball, but it is also the way he fought for us, trying to help the team and trying to keep that clean sheet as well."

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Given only Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of all the post-Sir Alex Ferguson bosses had experienced the feeling of winning at Stamford Bridge, style was a secondary element.

Chelsea may have hit the woodwork three times. They may have carried the more consistent threat. But Michael Carrick's team was the one that delivered.

"It was a game for a result," he said. "And we managed to find it."

There was overcoming the adversity of knowing that on top of the three central defenders he knew would be missing (Matthijs de Ligt through injury and Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire due to suspension), Carrick then lost a fourth, Leny Yoro, to a training ground injury.

That came so late in the week his chosen pairing, Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven, could only prepare with walk-throughs.

"I love when you see players thrive in those moments," said Carrick.

Heaven, 19, had not started a game under Carrick, having first been given his chance by Ruben Amorim and then his immediate replacement Darren Fletcher.

"Ayden has not played a lot of football recently, and to come into that environment is not something that you can take for granted," said Carrick.

"We say the same things to young players all the time. Sometimes they look at you as if to say, 'yeah, good one' but in terms of training every day and looking after yourself and being ready 'because you never know when that chance comes', he probably wouldn't have thought it would come at that moment.

"But he was there, he was prepared, and he took it in his stride magnificently well."

If Heaven felt any pressure, he didn't show it.

Read more on United's impressive win at Chelsea

Pundits Ashley Williams and Joe Hart join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Leeds 3-0 Wolves

• Newcastle 1-2 Bournemouth

• Tottenham 2-2 Brighton

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, speaking to TNT Sports: "I can't play that one down, that was massive, that was a big win for us. They had some opportunities but to keep a clean sheet and defend like we did, there was a lot of work that had to go into the last day or so in terms of prepping the team with a new back four.

"I thought Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui coming in were incredible, Ayden being such a young age and Noussair not really playing centre-back in a back four. I have to give the coaching staff a lot of credit on getting the boys ready for that. I thought the boys put a magnificent performance in tonight."

On changes coming into the club: "Make them understand and appreciate playing for this club. It's easy to forget the position that we're in. We can play better, there's lots of layers to come, but we've got results to build momentum and a foundation."

On Bruno Fernandes: "His impact has been immense for a period of time, he's carried that all the way through. He plays most games, he's fit, he's hungry. He had a big shift to do in the middle, but he was willing to do that for the team. He's a big personality, he's the captain for a reason. Sometimes it's leading by example and showing the way. He's vocal, he's a big presence on the pitch. He's been a big part of this club over the last few years."

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes, speaking to TNT Sports: "It's an amazing feeling for us. We had to bounce back, not just about Leeds. We had two games that we didn't win. We knew we had to make a great performance because Chelsea are a good side. It's important for us because our aim is to be top four, making distance is perfect for us."

On the travelling fans: "They were amazing, already in the warm-up I felt they were on it. Every away ground we go, we feel at home and that was no different today."

On his own performance: "I say every time I want to do better than the season before. I want to improve my game overall. I need to improve every week because I want to become a better player and end my career as the best as possible."

On being close to securing a Champions League position: "I feel three points closer, we have another game that we have to win. We know we need points to get that place secured, and we will do everything possible to be as quick as possible."

Did you know?

• Manchester United have done the Premier League double over Chelsea for only second time, previously doing so in 2019-20.

• 10 of Bruno Fernandes' 18 assists in the Premier League this season have come away from home, he's one of four players to do so in a campaign in the competition after Muzzy Izzet in 2003-04 (10), Cesc Fàbregas in 2014-15 (11) and Mohamed Salah (11).

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick went into this game with so many questions to answer.

His side had won once in four games and suffered a shock home defeat by Leeds last time out.

Carrick discovered in the build-up to the game that, in addition to the injured Matthijs de Ligt and suspended Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, he would be without a fourth central defender in Leny Yoro, who suffered a minor problem in training.

It meant pairing 19-year-old Ayden Heaven with Morocco international Noussair Mazraoui, normally a full-back, in central defence.

They both responded magnificently in a team performance that could not be described as aesthetically pleasing but contained all the togetherness, solidity and determination needed in a run-in.

Yet again, though, Bruno Fernandes made the decisive contribution.

The skipper has his detractors, but the people who are paid to pick the teams he plays for would not be without him.

His awareness is unmatched in this incarnation of United and it is not a stretch to say his impact on the club exceeds that of any single individual since manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

Indeed, it would now be a surprise if Fernandes did not break the Premier League assists record and, with his contract about to enter its final year, the pressure will soon come on the club's powerbrokers to come up with a deal befitting his status.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Chelsea's performance

What did you make of United's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez returns to Liam Rosenior's line-up after a two-match suspension, although Moises Caicedo is named captain. Andrey Santos drops to the bench.

Liam Delap starts up front, with Joao Pedro missing out completely.

Defender Trevoh Chalobah is named on the bench, a month since his last Chelsea appearance, against PSG in the Champions League.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Hato, Cucurella, Fernandez, Caicedo, Estevao, Palmer, Pedro Neto, Delap.

Substitutes: Sharman-Lowe, Adarabioyo, Dario Essugo, Santos, Chalobah, Acheampong, Guiu, Lavia, Garnacho.

Nineteen-year-old Ayden Heaven starts for the first time under Michael Carrick. With Leny Yoro absent, Matthijs de Ligt injured and Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez suspended, Heaven is Michael Carrick's only available recognised central defender.

Kobbie Mainoo and Bryan Mbeumo return as Manuel Ugarte and Amad Diallo drop to the bench.

Eighteen-year-old Jim Thwaites, who played the full 90 minutes and extra-time in United's FA Youth Cup semi-final victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford last night is on the bench for the first time.

Manchester United XI: Lammens, Dalot, Mazraoui, Heaven, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha, Sesko.

Substitutes: Bayindir, Mount, Zirkzee, Malacia, Amad, Ugarte, T Fletcher, Lacey, Thwaites.

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter at Old Trafford

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester United set up a mouthwatering FA Youth Cup final derby clash with Manchester City as Chido Obi's extra-time winner sealed a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.

It will be the first time the local rivals have met in the final since 1986, when City emerged victorious with a 3-1 aggregate triumph.

City will host the game and last won the competition in 2024.

The most recent of United's record 11 successes came two years before that, when Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho were part of the team that beat Nottingham Forest.

Fifteen-year-old JJ Gabriel thought he had given United victory with his 23rd goal of the season as he produced a fine finish to Chido's through ball 13 minutes from the end time.

However, in front of 3,189 at Old Trafford, Palace forward Raihaan Anderson levelled two minutes later as he capitalised on a mistake by home goalkeeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes, who lost control of the ball as he slid out to gather in the area.

The game that included a bizarre first-half substitution when Palace forward David Angibeaud was taken off with what seemed to be a head injury 10 minutes after he had been treated; a decision he clearly disagreed with.

Another Byrne-Hughes error almost led to a winner for Palace full-back Dean Benamar, then, extra-time, Chido set up Gabriel, but he shot straight at visitors keeper Lucca Benetton.

But as United's substitute keeper Fred Heath was warming up to come on for penalties, Australia youth international James Overy chipped a superb pass down the right to set Chido free.

The Denmark Under-21 international stepped inside Benetton and tapped home.

The two sides meet again in the Premier League Under-18 cup final at Selhurst Park on 22 April.

The way Manchester United played against Leeds was like watching the United of old.

Sadly for Michael Carrick, by "old" I mean Ruben Amorim's era, not Sir Alex Ferguson's. United had just had 24 days off, but they were as flat as anything.

This is a bit of a "flat-off", though, because Chelsea are in such poor form too.

I fear for their boss Liam Rosenior after their run of results and also because of his decision to drop Enzo Fernandez against Manchester City.

I can't get that out of my head. Why wouldn't you want one of your best players to play in a big game like that?

Rosenior needs to secure Champions League football and he has got a lot of work to do to get there. I don't fancy his side at the back but if United are as flat again, I can see Chelsea getting back on track - but only just.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Read the full predictions and have your say here

There are five games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Brentford v Fulham (12:30)

• Leeds v Wolves (15:00) - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Newcastle v Bournemouth (15:00)

• Tottenham v Brighton (17:30) - Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Chelsea v Man Utd (20:00)

Kick-off 15:00 BST unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Leeds v Wolves" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Brighton", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Chris Adams
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea host Manchester United in the Saturday evening kick-off (20:00 BST) in a game that could go a long way to deciding who earns a Champions League place.

Rosenior on the ropes?

The Blues' form has nosedived in recent weeks, with just one win in their last seven Premier League matches, four of which have resulted in defeat.

In fact, both of their most recent wins have come in the FA Cup, against Championship side Wrexham and League One relegation candidates Port Vale.

Add an 8-2 aggregate hammering at the hands of Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain into the mix and head coach Liam Rosenior finds himself under serious scrutiny just three months into the job.

Rosenior acted decisively in banning Enzo Fernandez for two games following comments the Argentina midfielder made in an interview about the possibility of a move to Spain.

Whether the Stamford Bridge faithful agreed with that internal decision or not, one thing that's inescapable is the creative threat Fernandez brings to the table.

Sixth-placed Chelsea have failed to score in their last three league games, a run of 345 minutes without a goal. They haven't gone four top-flight games without finding the net since September 2007 under Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant.

The west London side are looking to arrest a run of three league defeats – only once this century have they lost four games in a row, doing so in April-May 2023 when Frank Lampard was at the helm.

Decisions in defence for Carrick

While he's not struggling to the same extent as his opposite number, Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick suffered the biggest setback of his Old Trafford managerial career in Monday night's 2-1 defeat to Leeds United.

The first half performance, in particular, will be a major worry for Carrick as Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro – starting a league game together as a centre-back duo for the first time – struggled to cope with Dominic Calvert-Lewin's physicality and hold-up play.

Martinez was subsequently sent off for violent conduct after tugging Calvert-Lewin's hair, meaning he is likely to miss the next three games of the run-in.

Coupled with the absence of Harry Maguire, who has received an additional one-match ban for swearing at an official following his red card at Bournemouth last month, and the injured Matthijs de Ligt, Carrick finds himself with a defensive headache.

That could mean an untried pairing of Yoro, 20, and Ayden Heaven, 19, not ideal when you consider United have kept just one clean sheet in their last 21 league away matches.

The Red Devils have won just one of their last four matches but remain third in the table as the battle for the Champions League spots reaches its crescendo. Both teams had a different head coach when United took the spoils with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in September.

Only Bournemouth and Leeds United have drawn more league games than United's 10 this season and this is a fixture that often has little to separate the sides. Chelsea versus Manchester United has ended in a draw more often than any other match-up in Premier League history – some 27 times.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Manchester United players John O'Shea and Danny Simpson have both backed Michael Carrick to become the club's permanent manager at the end of the season.

Speaking at a United foundation Padel event, O'Shea said: "He's doing a fantatsic job at the minute and hopefully that continues. Tough one the other night against Leeds but Michael will be making sure the standards are back up for Chelsea I'm sure at the weekend.

"I was convinced Michael would be able to turn it around. First and foremost the experience he's got, knowing the club inside out, but then also the years he's spent with Middlesbrough and before that coaching under managers at United. Hopefully he gets the chance to continue into next season too.

"I think Michael is making everyone's mind up himself. He's straightforward in what he's done."

Simpson said: "If you would have said before Michael took over that they would be in this position I think United fans would have snapped your hand off.

"The turnaround from the team in the last few weeks and months is what we want to see. It's the old Man United, it's fighting until the end, getting last-minute goals, and getting the fans engaged."

You can listen to O'Shea and Simpson in full below or on the Manchester United feed on BBC Sounds

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Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Michael Carrick skirted round the issue of whether Manchester United appealed against Lisandro Martinez's red card on Monday.

However, he was unequivocal in confirming the Argentina defender will miss the trip to Chelsea.

In fact, as Martinez's three-match ban for getting sent off for grabbing Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair in the Old Trafford defeat by Leeds also includes the home games with Brentford and Liverpool, it will be the 9 May trip to Sunderland before he can play again.

That will be three months since the game at West Ham, after which he suffered a calf injury. Given he didn't play his first match of the season until the end of November following his recovery from cruciate surgery, it is a poor record and one that raises question marks over Martinez's value to the current squad.

In fact, Martinez has just 73 Premier League appearances to his name in nearly four seasons at United.

As his contract runs out in 2027, United must soon decide whether to offer an extension. That kind of record will not count in his favour.

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Carrick confirmed Lisandro Martinez will not be available to face Chelsea after his red card for a hair pull against Leeds: "We are disappointed. We didn't agree with it. It was pretty obvious how I felt about it after the game and I still feel that way. It is what it is, we've been hit with some decisions but we have to accept it and move on."

• Patrick Dorgu will not be fit for Saturday but is nearing a return: "Patrick is going well, rehabbing well, he's on track but is not with us in terms of training yet. He's back on the pitch, which is positive, and he's doing really well."

• Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo "has done little bits and we're working towards it" so "there's a decision to be made there."

• Carrick also expressed his frustration at the additional one-game ban given to defender Harry Maguire for improper conduct, following his red card at Bournemouth last month: "Massively disappointed, of course. We've had a few reasons to be disappointed over those sort of situations over the last few weeks, but we have got to move on. The decisions have been made - something that we're really disappointed with in many ways - but we've got to move on now and that's what we'll do."

• On 19-year-old Ayden Heaven, who will likely need to start in central defence: "Ayden is in a good place. He's still young, and he's progressing through the early stages of his career, so I think it's natural for him to play some games and not some others. He's training really well, improving and listening. It's natural for a centre-back of his age, and he's ahead of schedule in terms of the games he's played. He trained with England a few weeks ago and did well. He's looking forward to the game, for sure."

• Carrick said Saturday's meeting with fellow Champions League hopefuls Chelsea is an "important game": "It's a tough place to go, always has been. We've had some tough games down there. Most of the time they've been good games in terms of what it brings. It has the feelings of a real, proper game so we'll be ready for that. We've prepared well and take the confidence from what we've built."

• Asked where Mason Mount fits into his tactical approach after having a clearer place under Ruben Amorim, Carrick responded: "There's definitely a place for him, without doubt. He's obviously working to getting fit and finding that. Mason has got a good future here so I really don't worry about him."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

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Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

Image source, Getty Images

It has been interesting to observe how Manchester United have been assessed in the wake of Monday's disappointing home defeat by Leeds, and particularly the reaction to Michael Carrick.

What had previously been viewed as calmness in the technical area and a sense of stability gained from not making many changes, was suddenly viewed as inaction and questions were raised about why Carrick did not bring on any substitutes.

I guess Carrick would argue he hasn't done anything differently, which underlines a basic truth about Premier League football - results shape narratives.

To that end, Manchester United are not doing well. One win in four matches is their worst run since the point where Ruben Amorim was sacked. They also had a run of three games without a win that culminated in that shocking home defeat by 10-man Everton in November.

Tomorrow's trip to Chelsea is the perfect chance to turn the narrative back again. Their record at Stamford Bridge is not good. They lost on their past two visits, and have not won since 2020, with just two victories in their past 23 league games there.

The key question for Carrick will be if Lisandro Martinez is available, and if not, who is playing in central defence. Whether Carrick wants to answer is another matter.

Return to the Manchester United page later on Friday to find out what Carrick says in his news conference