{"id":539166,"date":"2026-04-19T09:42:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T09:42:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/539166\/"},"modified":"2026-04-19T09:42:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T09:42:10","slug":"manchester-united-player-ratings-vs-chelsea-mainoo-and-fernandes-shine-in-vital-win","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/539166\/","title":{"rendered":"Manchester United player ratings vs Chelsea: Mainoo and Fernandes shine in vital win"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-0-PHXRO577WZFXPC6J5RGQET5ZCA\">Michael Carrick said he lives for moments like Manchester United\u2019s 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as his side took a huge step towards qualifying for the Champions League.<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-1-4BZUNKSPIFGN5GQUD44F3XYAWE\">Matheus Cunha struck the winner on Saturday night in the first half with United\u2019s only shot on target as they moved 10 points clear of the struggling Blues, whose own top-five hopes were dealt a serious blow.<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-3-7KPAKXLNUNBPHGA7B6Z6RN7TL4\">Liam Rosenior\u2019s side hit the crossbar twice in the second half and despite dominating, seemed to lack belief as they lost a fourth Premier League game in a row without scoring.<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-5-FL34CAK6NRB77CZTCA34RFANJQ\">There are no such concerns for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/tags\/manchester-united\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/tags\/manchester-united\/\">the visitors<\/a>, who need only two more wins to guarantee a return to Europe\u2019s top competition.<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-6-FS5NSYFKRZFEDIFVBARAUYXV24\">\u201cThey\u2019re the moments we live for really, that\u2019s why we\u2019re in it,\u201d said Carrick.<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-8-HTCRZLGKM5AYTFOLOD7VDEMBWI\">\u201cFor big games, important games, big performances. And then for the supporters to feel it, it gives me a lot of satisfaction when I can be part of that and see all the people enjoying it so much. That\u2019s the beauty of football and the pure form of it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-9-RLBMLZCSIZFM5MZYXVR5NG3W4U\">The win came despite <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/sport\/football\/2026\/04\/20\/manchester-united-2025-26-quiz-casemiro-michael-carrick-and-more\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/sport\/football\/2026\/04\/20\/manchester-united-2025-26-quiz-casemiro-michael-carrick-and-more\/\">United<\/a> suffering a defensive injury crisis, with Leny Yoro withdrawing injured on Friday and joining the suspended <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/sport\/football\/2026\/04\/07\/harry-maguire-signs-one-year-contract-extension-at-manchester-united\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/sport\/football\/2026\/04\/07\/harry-maguire-signs-one-year-contract-extension-at-manchester-united\/\">Harry Maguire<\/a> and Lisandro Martinez on the sidelines.<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-10-XBBUHWMAJZDZJH2YH6AEJHOJBU\">It meant a start in central defence for Ayden Heaven who played well alongside Noussair Mazraoui.<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-11-X2GJIFY4BVBAZFZIF5WPG75254\">\u201cIt was an important win for us tonight in different ways, coming through the suspensions and the injuries, Lenny pulling out quite late and having to adapt,\u201d said Carrick.<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-13-PGL3TTMCAZB5VGDNELG2MYDK6A\">\u201cThe boys take so much credit for that. And the coaches in terms of putting the plan together and adapting over the last couple of days.<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-14-2KN73GBKOFGVNHGVAOWDRFPRDU\">\u201cThere\u2019s a lot of things to be proud of tonight. We can play a little bit better at times, but I thought it was a game for a result and we managed to find it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-15-P7VEPW576VCRVH5AJBEWYV3W64\">Chelsea, who trail fifth-placed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/sport\/2026\/04\/18\/everton-v-liverpool-arne-slot-blames-bad-luck-for-struggles-ahead-of-merseyside-derby\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" title=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/sport\/2026\/04\/18\/everton-v-liverpool-arne-slot-blames-bad-luck-for-struggles-ahead-of-merseyside-derby\/\">Liverpool<\/a> by four points having played a game more, have lost four league games in a row without scoring for the first time in 28 years. Not since 1912 have the team endured a longer streak.<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-16-PRQXHEDAPRDQNIH2OR6ZFGY7EQ\">In all competitions the run stands at six defeats in their last seven, during which they have conceded 16 times, with seven of their nine goals scored coming against Sky Bet League One Port Vale.<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-17-AJAW6B4DLREGNJBBC5BA22GQUE\">Asked what failure to qualify for the Champions League would mean for his own future, Rosenior said: \u201cThe honest answer is I don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Manchester United player ratings <\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-19-3JPHDC7QLNGCXNQE2KCXYRSCKE\">Senne Lammens &#8211; 7: Clean sheet at a place where Unted had only won one in 12. Busier of the keepers in the first half as Chelsea came closest to scoring and were the better team. Was fine playing behind a makeshift central defensive partnership which held firm for a big win. <\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-20-UTZOYT5MZBCEDK47S7GEAG7GB4\">Diogo Dalot &#8211; 7: Back starting and had a lively first half. Went down heavily at one point, but sprung back up. First half substitute Garnacho \u2013 who was booed by the travelling fans \u2013 just couldn\u2019t get past him. Played well.<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-21-WE3YAF7NORE57BMWEIP7BMATK4\">Noussair Mazraoui &#8211; 7: Not his usual position and he\u2019s not been playing like last season, so it\u2019s to his credit he did so well. Enzo Fernandez easily bypassed him and curled a shot on to the edge of the post and should\u2019ve scored. Key tackle on 82 minutes on Garnacho. Chelsea fans thought it was a penalty. Wishful thinking, it was a goal kick. <\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-22-HVNWNIC2HJEJJORBSHUA2BOQ6Q\">Ayden Heaven &#8211; 7: Had only played 15 minutes and three sub appearances under Carrick, but needs must for December\u2019s player of the month. Heavy challenge on Palmer brought early appeals for a penalty. Then tripped Palmer to concede a terribly taken free-kick on the edge of the area. Strong sliding challenge on Delap soon after. Passing was heavy and not accurate at times. <\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-23-3OSMGZ2CLZHBTIBOFV4S3Q6ONE\">Luke Shaw &#8211; 7: Poor touch let Chelsea in for an early attack, but steadied and Chelsea had no joy against either of United\u2019s full-backs. In that respect, it was right to keep the two in their usual, settled, positions. <\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-24-KIMNTIDA6NAFNJFHLPFFMKPUJE\">Casemiro &#8211; 7: His passing combinations with Bruno Fernandes were important. His days as a United player are numbered and he loved every minute of United fans serenading the team at the end after a backs to the wall away performance. <\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-25-MNHXGFDU4NBCDIZAVGGJLMVN4Q\">Kobbie Mainoo &#8211; 8: Vital that he returned given the absences behind him. Simple, neat and always an outlet for those around him. Defended well. Doesn\u2019t do the stand out moments, though he did well to block on 72 minutes with Neto looking to equalise. <\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-27-TNZTCWTPWNGXLBJFIWAIVPSSR4\">Bruno Fernandes &#8211; 8: Superb round the corner pass to Mbeumo to set up United&#8217;s first serious attack. Outstanding pull back pass to set up Cunha for the opening goal. That&#8217;s 14 goal involvements in his last 13 games. Ran at goal and shot wide on 51 minutes. Calmed his team and slowed it down when necessary. Better in second half. <\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-28-4YYO3TMGQBEONH6WJ4JPU25VBQ\">Matheus Cunha &#8211; 7: Poor touch after being set up by Mbeumo when he should have hit it first time. Learnt a lesson 20 minutes later when he finished a Bruno Fernandes pass for the opener. That was the key moment in a huge win for United that put them 10 points clear of Chelsea.<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-29-YHRFCEGAFVH3LG5TKVRBDNJ6TI\">Bryan Mbeumo &#8211; 6: Ran on to a Bruno Fernandes pass and crossed quickly for Cunha. Poor ball forward in a 34th minute attack. Tripped as he attacked after 38.<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-30-AUSCDKEBQBFEHJKWWZEYF44CUM\">Benjamin Sesko &#8211; 6: Just five touches of the ball in the first half. He ran hard and worked hard, though didn\u2019t hold the ball up particularly well. A quiet night.<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-31-O5A3ZF35VVBYHL4QIO553EUKHQ\">United subs:<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-32-RSIT2AGZTVFYRD4ZVO4B4P74Q4\">Amad Diallo (for Sesko, 80): N\/A<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-33-UVWB4PD4MZF5VGKI4ADQU2AHY4\">Mason Mount (for Cunha, 80): N\/A<\/p>\n<p class=\"defaultstyled__StyledText-sc-11u52t4-1 huqwQJ margin-lg-bottom\" id=\"el-34-3JHOE6HN2VATRMT6NTFYKWTUHA\">Joshua Zirkzee (for Mbeumo, 87): N\/A<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Michael Carrick said he lives for moments like Manchester United\u2019s 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge as&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":539167,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[398,59,349,221,34135,101,5438,5141,56,54,55],"class_list":{"0":"post-539166","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports","8":"tag-chelsea-fc","9":"tag-gb","10":"tag-manchester-united","11":"tag-premier-league","12":"tag-sport-team","13":"tag-sports","14":"tag-standard","15":"tag-story","16":"tag-uk","17":"tag-united-kingdom","18":"tag-unitedkingdom"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/539166","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=539166"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/539166\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/539167"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=539166"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=539166"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=539166"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}