Follow live coverage as Manchester United face Chelsea today in the Premier League. Another top-flight season will be covered in full right here with The Independent, as reigning champions Liverpool look to fend off competition from Arsenal, Manchester City and more.
The race for the Champions League places should also be a compelling battle, with a fifth place possible for English teams. Manchester United’s latest rebuild under Ruben Amorim sets expectations high once more after a dismal season last time out.
Meanwhile, it’s Burnley, Leeds United and Sunderland who made it back to the elite after promotion last year and each will have hope they can make it more than a one-year stay. Follow the latest live action from the Premier League below:
Manchester United FC 2 - 1 Chelsea FC
Manchester United vs Chelsea
20:00A breathless contest that saw both teams reduced to 10 men by the half-time whistle comes to an end, with Manchester United holding on for a 2-1 win against Chelsea at Old Trafford. The match was conditioned just five minutes in, when Sanchez was given the earliest red card in Premier League history, for a miscalculated tackle on Mbeumo, who was in a goal-scoring position. It took just seven more minutes for Fernandes to find the breakthrough, and Casemiro would double the lead eight minutes from the interval with a close-range header. The two-goal advantage would last until the break, but the Brazil international would not, as he was also sent off late in added time - for a second bookable offence on Santos. The evening of the numbers gave Maresca’s side a chance to get back into the game, and they improved significantly in the second half, but left it too little, too late to come back from two goals down. Chalobah halved the deficit with 10 minutes to go courtesy of a powerful header thanks to a James assist, but the visitors were unable to find the second necessary to maintain their unbeaten start. Scoring twice with an xG of 1.74, the win puts Manchester United up in ninth place ahead of a meeting with Brentford in seven days, while Chelsea overperformed their expected goals - scoring with just one effort on target and an xG of 0.39. They stay sixth and take on Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, following a trip to Lincoln in the EFL Cup on Tuesday. That concludes our commentary of the Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Chelsea - we hope you’ve enjoyed it!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:43A SCRAMBLE IN FRONT OF GOAL! Fernandez leads James down the wing with an inviting pass, and the full-back gets on the end of it before hitting a low, dangerous cross into the six-yard box. Bayindir dives off his line to try and reach it, but he pushes the ball into the path of Gusto, who can’t turn it goalwards. Santos is there on the follow-up, but his shot is blocked as well, and Manchester United escape the late danger unscathed!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:42FERNANDES REPELLED! James gives the ball away inexplicably in midfield, allowing Fernandes to win it back before charging towards the Chelsea goal. The Portugal international shows speed and strength to shrug off the desperately backtracking full-back before hammering a shot from distance, that forces Jorgensen into a full-stretch parry!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:37FULL-TIME: MANCHESTER UNITED 2-1 CHELSEA
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:36Tosin is forced into a sliding challenge that brings Cunha down from behind, ending his rampaging run forward just ahead of the 18-yard box. Unsurprisingly, it’s a yellow card for the centre-back, as the bookings continue to pile up.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:36Mount wins the ball back inside his own penalty area and plays it to Cunha, who lumps it down the pitch for an isolated Amad on the counter. Chalobah does just enough to get across and get in the way but his first touch is poor, which gives the winger a chance to win it back, before the centre-back corrects his mistake with a good bit of control.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:29The fourth official indicates seven minutes will be added to the end of the match for stoppages.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:29Chelsea against Manchester United is the most drawn fixture in Premier League history, finishing level 27 times. 14 of those draws have come at Old Trafford, with Everton against Spurs at Goodison Park the only fixture at a specific venue to be tied more often in the competition (17).
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:25Fernandes gives the captain’s armband to Shaw before departing the pitch for Mainoo, as Amorim looks for fresh legs in midfield as we approach added time.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:25All of Chalobah's last eight Premier League goals have been from set-piece situations, with each of the last four coming from corners. His strike is a good omen for Chelsea, who are still behind with five minutes to play, as the centre-back has not lost a league match in which he’s found the back of the net (seven wins and one draw).
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:22James again looks to pull the strings, clipping a pass into the penalty area for Joao Pedro, who holds off Yoro long enough to receive the ball. The striker manages to turn free before laying it back to James, whose first-time cross to the far post is cleared by Amad.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:19James’ assist for Chalobah’s goal is his first of the season in the Premier League, and his second in nine appearances against Manchester United.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:19CHELSEA CUT THE DEFICIT IN HALF! 2-1 WITH 10 MINUTES TO GO! Fernandez plays a corner-kick short and quick to James, who isn’t closed down fast enough by Ugarte. The Chelsea captain is given the space necessary to measure an inch-perfect cross to the six-yard box for Chalobah, who rises all alone to head a finish past Bayindir!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:18Joao Pedro sprints into Manchester United’s half all alone and runs down a cul-de-sac, with as many as three defenders in the area ready to dispossess the forward. Looking to cut inside, the Brazil international takes a step before he’s hauled down by De Ligt - giving Chelsea a free-kick out of nothing.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:15Fernandes’ free-kick is initially met and cleared by Tosin, but Dorgu manages to win it back before spreading play to the opposite side for De Ligt. Up from the back, the defender curls a lovely cross to the far post for Amad, whose acrobatic overhead-kick attempt fails to trouble Jorgensen.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:14Caicedo sticks out a leg to try and win the ball back from Fernandes on the right corner of the penalty area, but mistimes his challenge and catches the leg of the Manchester United captain. The incident sparks a bit of a brawl, with Fernandez and Ugarte exchanging words, but the referee keeps his cards in his pocket and gives Manchester United a free-kick and nothing more.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:11George races forward to try and close down Bayindir and slides through, missing the ball but catching the foot of the goalkeeper. It’s a yellow card for the Chelsea substitute, just eight minutes after his introduction.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:10Maguire is withdrawn 33 minutes after his assist helped give Manchester United a two-goal lead. Yoro is on to see out the remainder of the game with a win and a clean sheet in sight.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:08Mount is given just over 20 minutes against his former side, bringing Mbeumo’s game to an end.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:08Manchester United’s second substitution of the contest is an attacking one that sees Cunha replace Mazraoui.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:07Chelsea have had much more of the ball in the second half, maintaining 75 per cent possession following the restart after just 42 per cent in the opening period, but their struggles in front of goal have continued. They’ve almost doubled their xG output from 0.05 to 0.09, but have yet to test Bayindir, who has not had a save to make.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:03A straight swap at full-back for the visitors sees Gusto take over from Cucurella.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:03Fofana’s disallowed goal is his final involvement in the match, as George comes in in his stead with 26 minutes to go.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:04CHELSEA SCORE BUT IT’S IMMEDIATELY OVERTURNED! James’ outswinging corner is met at the near post by Tosin, who flicks the ball on to the back post for Fofana to turn past Bayindir, but a clear offside in the build up keeps the game at 2-0.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:02DE LIGT TO THE RESCUE! Fernandez knocks the ball forward and into the path of James, who keeps the ball in play ahead of the byline by firing a low pass across the face of goal for the arriving Joao Pedro. With the goal gaping, the forward steps up but his chance is taken from him by De Ligt, who crashes through to put it out of play for a corner!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
19:00Caicedo tries to wriggle free of Ugarte, who brings the Ecuador international down with a mistimed sliding tackle inside Chelsea’s half - but there isn’t enough in the tackle to warrant another yellow card.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:58Caicedo attempts a disguised pass through the lines and into the 18-yard box for Joao Pedro, but it’s spotted and stopped by Shaw, who then gives it to Mazraoui to clear.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:56Dorgu attacks the space ahead of him down the left wing and clips a cross towards the back post for Mbeumo, but it’s cut out by a well-placed Chalobah.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:55The rain continues to lash down at Old Trafford, which has caused the pitch to fill with water. Each step taken by the players causes a bit of a splash, while the ball is slowing down due to the conditions. Both goalkeepers will need to be assured in their touches, as the elements could pose an additional test.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:53Bayindir comes a long way out of his penalty area to get to the loose ball ahead of Joao Pedro to clear it down the pitch, which is met with a nervous hush from the Old Trafford crowd. The goalkeeper gets it right, beating the striker in the race before getting rid of the ball, but a mistake could have led to another red card.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:50Fernandes can’t make the most of Manchester United’s latest free-kick, as his delivery to the edge of the penalty area is headed away under little pressure by Chalobah.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:48Tempers continue to flare at Old Trafford with another yellow card awarded - this time to Chalobah - for a late kick through the foot of Amad. It’s the eighth card of the game, and there’s still 40 minutes to go.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:48Mbeumo tries to wrap his set-piece delivery around Chelsea’s defensive line for Maguire, but James knocks it down to allow Cucurella to sweep away the danger.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:47Fernandez lunges across to get in front of Ugarte just over 30 yards from Jorgensen’s goal, but catches the Manchester United midfielder in the shin with his studs. It’s a yellow card for the Chelsea player, while the hosts are given a free-kick.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:46The rain is continuing to lash down at Old Trafford, which has caused the pitch to fill with water. Each step taken by the players causes a bit of a splash, while the ball is slowing down due to the conditions. Both goalkeepers will need to be assured in their touches, as the elements could pose an additional test.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:44Chelsea get the match restarted from the kick-off!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:43Chelsea get the match restarted from the kick-off!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:42With a two-goal lead in-hand, Manchester United make a change at the break and bring off Sesko for Ugarte - who slots in alongside Fernandes in midfield.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:34Having made three substitutions in the opening 21 minutes, Maresca will be unable to make wholesale changes following the restart, despite the opportunity to get back on the front foot. With Palmer, Neto and Estevao all removed from the game already, the situation may necessitate the introduction of former Manchester United winger Garnacho, who will be desperate to get back at his old club. The hosts will want to make sure the match is played at a slower pace, with the lead already in-hand, and could introduce Ugarte to fill the gap left by Casemiro. Mount may also be called upon following his return to fitness, as the forward is adept at triggering a press to win the ball back high up the pitch.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:30A chaotic first-half at Old Trafford, largely conditioned by an incident just five minutes in, comes to an end with Manchester United ahead by two goals, though their early man advantage did not last until the half-time whistle. Chelsea were not allowed to settle in the match from the start, with Sanchez making a great stop on Mbeumo at his near post just three minutes in; 120 seconds before he was shown a red card for a mistimed tackle on the same forward just outside the penalty area. Forced to reorganise, Estevao and Neto were promptly taken off for Jorgensen and Tosin, but it wasn’t enough to keep Amorim’s side at bay. Fernandes was eventually awarded his 100th goal to celebrate his 200th appearance a minute shy of the quarter-hour mark, after a lengthy VAR review, following questions surrounding his position during Dorgu’s headed assist. The visitors struggled to retain possession and find outlet passes to hit on the counter and succumbed to the pressure for a second time less than 10 minutes from added time, with Casemiro popping up at the far post to turn Maguire’s pass past Jorgensen. With just minutes to go until the whistle, the goal scorer would turn villain after being spotted committing a second bookable offence, which forced referee Peter Bankes to produce a red card. Though they have the lead, and a sizeable xG advantage (1.41 to 0.05), the second half could be a very different story for Manchester United, who are also now down to 10 men.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:27HALF-TIME: MANCHESTER UNITED 2-0 CHELSEA
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:27Casemiro’s red card is his third in the Premier League in 82 appearances - and his first since March 12, 2023.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:25It’s been a long and frustrating half for Chelsea, who have defended relatively well despite the early disadvantage, but have not been able to show anything going forward. Maresca’s team have only had two off-target shots, while managing one single touch in Manchester United’s area. Now with the numbers once again even at 10, perhaps they’ll find a way in the second half to make it more of a contest.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:23BOTH SIDES DOWN TO 10 MEN AFTER CASEMIRO IS SENT OFF! It’s a silly challenge from the veteran midfielder, who grabbed the shoulders of Santos with two hands before pulling him down from behind. Right in the referee’s eyeline, Peter Bankes spots the infringement immediately and shows the Brazil international a second yellow, before producing a red card!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:17The fourth official indicates nine minutes will be added to the end of the half for stoppages.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:17Fernandes swings his free-kick to the near post but it’s a disappointing effort that’s easily beaten away by Cucurella, who is quick to make amends.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:15Cucurella leaps into a two-footed tackle on Mazraoui during a race for the loose ball near the right touchline, and catches his opponent on the ankle. It’s a yellow card for the Spain international, who gives away a free-kick in a dangerous position.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:15Santos’ giveaway in midfield provides Manchester United the chance to turn defence into attack quickly, but Sesko misses the ball during his attempted control following a give-and-go with Fernandes - allowing Cucurella to clear.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:14Shaw shows off his strength near his own corner-flag, holding Fernandez at bay following a Chelsea throw-in high up the pitch, before running the midfielder off the field of play for a goal-kick.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:13Chelsea have now conceded four first-half goals in five games, only Wolverhampton Wanderers (nine) allowing more in the Premier League this season.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:11Maguire is the second Manchester United player to register their first assist of the season today, squaring a pass for Casemiro to finish at the far post!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:10CASEMIRO DOUBLES MANCHESTER UNITED’S LEAD! 2-0! Mbeumo and Fernandes work a corner-kick short to Mazraoui, whose cross to the back post from a central position finds a jumping Dorgu. The wing-back squares it but doesn’t manage to find a team-mate because of James, who whacks the ball straight up in an attempt to clear it - causing a queue to win the ball in the air. Maguire gets a telling touch, nodding it across the face of goal for Casemiro, who pops up and prods a close-range finish past a sprawling Jorgensen to make it 2-0!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:09Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 12 Premier League home games against Chelsea (five wins and seven draws) since a 0-1 defeat in May 2013. Indeed, Chelsea’s win rate of 18 per cent at Old Trafford in the Premier League (six wins in 33 attempts) is their lowest away to any side they have visited 10 or more times in the competition.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:03Mbeumo dribbles inside ahead of Cucurella with close control before stepping back to play a cross towards the penalty spot for Sesko, which is intercepted by a stooping Tosin.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:03Chelsea's three substitutions in 21 minutes is the fastest any team has made three substitutions in a Premier League match.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:01Fernandes lays a free-kick off to Mbeumo on the right wing, giving the forward time and space to step inside, but his eventual left-footed cross is put right into the awaiting arms of Jorgensen.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
18:00Fernandes breaks the lines with a lovely pass through the midfield and out to the left for the run of Amad, whose progress is halted immediately by a perfectly timed sliding challenge by Fofana. The defender had to get it right in that situation, sliding in from slightly behind the forward, and he did - getting just enough of the ball to put it out of play for a throw.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:57Fernandes’ goal is his 100th for Manchester United across all competitions, in his 200th appearance for the club in the Premier League. He becomes the fifth player to score for Manchester United on his 200th cap - after Denis Irwin, Phil Neville, Wayne Rooney and Antonio Valencia.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:57Cucurella stays on the ground after losing an aerial duel to Mazraoui but after initially letting play continue, the referee stops the match for a head injury. The medical staff are on to the pitch to look at the full-back, who banged his head as he fell to the ground, with Maresca hoping he won’t be forced into a fourth first-half alteration.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:54Casemiro slides in late to catch Fernandez on the back of the leg after the Argentina international had played his pass. It’s a yellow card for the Manchester United midfielder, who is no stranger to a booking.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:55James feathers an inswinging corner-kick towards the near post, where it’s repelled by Maguire. Caicedo latches onto the loose ball on the edge of the 18-yard box and has a go, but his half-volley is turned away by De Ligt.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:52Maresca makes his third substitution of the game seven minutes after conceding the opener, withdrawing Palmer for Santos.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:51Mbeumo skillfully shifts the ball onto his left foot 20 yards from goal in the right channel and curls a dangerous effort towards the top corner that misses the inside of the goal by inches!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:49There was a lengthy delay in the aftermath of the goal, awarded by referee Peter Bankes, with questions as to whether Fernandes was in an onside position during Dorgu’s header. After reviewing several angles, the VAR team are happy to let the goal stand, seeing nothing wrong in the build-up play.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:48Dorgu thought he was going to test Jorgensen himself, but instead walks away with his first assist of the season after Fernandes’ impeccably timed run.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:46A CAPTAIN’S IMPACT FROM FERNANDES! 1-0 MANCHESTER UNITED! Mazraoui stands a cross up to the far post for Dorgu, who rises highest to nod a header towards goal. Fernandes breaks through the defensive line and stretches to get on the end of Dorgu’s effort, redirecting the ball to put it past Jorgensen and in from close range!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:43Fernandes’ inswinging corner is beaten away by Fofana, who gets the ball out of his 18-yard box, but puts it right onto the foot of the lurking Amad. The forward takes a touch to set himself and hits a low effort towards goal, but it’s blocked by Fernandez and whacked down the pitch.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:43De Ligt strides forward into an attacking area and tries to drag an incisive pass towards the far post for the arriving Amad, only to send his delivery too far in front of his team-mate and behind for a goal-kick.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:41CLOSE! Fernandes takes the ensuing free-kick, but drives his delivery right into the wall. The ball bounces back kindly to Mbeumo, who lashes a desperate volleyed attempt, which takes a touch on its way behind for a corner.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:39With only 10 men left on the pitch, Maresca shuffles his deck and takes off another winger, with Neto a frustrated figure as he heads to the bench - so Tosin can be added into the defence.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:37Estevao is sacrificed just a half-dozen minutes into the match, with Chelsea in need of a goalkeeper on the pitch. Jorgensen is thrust into action, to fill the void in the net left by Sanchez.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:36SANCHEZ IS SENT OFF FIVE MINUTES IN! CHELSEA DOWN TO 10 MEN! Bayindir launches a long clearance out from the back, which is met by the imposing figure of Sesko inside the centre-circle. The tall striker gets a flick-on, which sets Mbeumo off to the races with only the goalkeeper to beat, but Sanchez mistimes his tackle just outside the 18-yard box and catches the winger! After taking a second to think, referee Peter Bankes produces a card and it’s red!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:36GREAT STOP! Dorgu creates just enough space ahead of James to skip an early delivery into the 18-yard box for a sliding Sesko, who misses his contact on the penalty spot. In the driving rain, Mbeumo continues his run to the far post and gets his head to the ball, forcing Sanchez into a fantastic reaction-save!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:34Mbeumo’s high press puts Sanchez under pressure after receiving a pass back from Cucurella, with the goalkeeper forced to take an extra touch just ahead of his goal-line before hitting a hurried clearance. He can only put the ball as far as Dorgu 30 yards from his own net, but a heavy touch from the wing-back gives James a chance to clear.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:32Manchester United get the match under way from the kick-off!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:17Chelsea make four changes from the side that drew 2-2 with Brentford last time out. James and Cucurella are Maresca’s preferred full-backs today, replacing Hato and Tosin - which pushes Fofana into a central role, while Gittens drops to the bench for Estevao on the wing and Palmer gets back into the line-up ahead of the uninvolved Facundo Buonanotte.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:17Manchester United make two alterations from the team that lost 3-0 in the Manchester derby seven days ago. Maguire is drafted into the defence for Yoro, while it’s Casemiro and not Ugarte who partners Fernandes in midfield - with the captain making his 200th Premier League appearance.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:17CHELSEA SUBS: Tosin Adarabioyo, Jamie Gittens, Filip Jorgensen, Andrey Santos, Jorrel Hato, Malo Gusto, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu, Alejandro Garnacho.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:17CHELSEA XI (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez; Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James; Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez; Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Estevao; Joao Pedro.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:17MANCHESTER UNITED SUBS: Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha, Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Ayden Heaven, Senne Lammens, Tyler Fredricson, Kobbie Mainoo.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:17MANCHESTER UNITED (3-4-2-1): Altay Bayindir; Harry Maguire, Matthijs De Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui; Luke Shaw, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Patrick Dorgu; Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo; Benjamin Sesko.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:17With 15 minutes to go before kick-off, let’s take a look at how the two sides are lining up - starting with our hosts!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:01Chelsea remain one of three teams in the English top-flight to remain unbeaten after four matches along with Liverpool and Crystal Palace, but were pegged back at the last moment to draw 2-2 with Brentford last weekend. A single point behind a trio of teams level for third place, a first victory in the league at Old Trafford since 2013 would leave Enzo Maresca’s side four back of the pace-setters, with a better goal-differential. The Blues were also in action in midweek, and got their Champions League campaign underway with a tough test in Bavaria - ultimately losing 3-1 to Bayern Munich.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:01Manchester United shook off their EFL Cup exit at the hands of Grimsby Town just before the international break by beating Burnley 3-2, to register their first Premier League win of the season - courtesy of a 97th-minute Bruno Fernandes spot-kick. Ruben Amorim’s side were unable to carry any potential momentum into September however, and were comprehensively beaten by cross-town rivals Manchester City seven days ago, which has dropped them to 17th in the table ahead of their game today.
Manchester United vs Chelsea
17:00Hello and welcome to our LIVE commentary of the Premier League fixture between Manchester United and Chelsea!
Manchester United vs Chelsea
15:30Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
