Manchester United bounced back and beat Chelsea in the Premier League, and there were some standout performers at Stamford Bridge.
A Matheus Cunha goal in the capital gave Manchester United a 1-0 win over Chelsea, meaning the Red Devils have solidified their third-place position in the Premier League table.
Michael Carrick continued his push for Champions League qualification, and he will take pride in a strong performance and a hard-fought clean sheet.
Here are the winners and losers from Stamford Bridge…
Chelsea v Manchester United - Premier League
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Winners
Ayden Heaven
Because of United’s defensive crisis, 19-year-old Ayden Heaven was the only natural centre-back in the starting XI.
It was also his first start under Carrick, and yet Heaven put on a brilliant display at Stamford Bridge. The teenage defender was confident in every challenge and was not scared to go head-to-head physically with Liam Delap. A strong return to the side.
Kobbie Mainoo
In last week’s defeat to Leeds United, Kobbie Mainoo was sorely missed in midfield, but he made his return to the line-up against Chelsea, restoring his partnership with Casemiro.
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Mainoo was impactful defensively and in possession, keeping Cole Palmer quiet and linking up well with the front four. At just 20 years old, he has already become a key cog in this United side.
Michael Carrick
A sloppy defeat to Leeds raised questions about whether Carrick is truly worthy of the United job, but he answered his critics in style.
Despite the lack of defensive options, Carrick drew up a game plan that was executed well for a priceless three points. The permanent job once again looks to be his for the taking.
Bruno Fernandes
Masterclass. Another assist. Another day at the office for United’s Portuguese maestro.
Fernandes is now up to 18 assists in a single Premier League season – just two away from the record.
Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot was left out of the starting XI against Leeds last time out, but he made an impactful return to the side at Stamford Bridge.
In particular, United fans enjoyed watching Dalot get the better of Alejandro Garnacho in their duel out wide.
That alone is worthy of a spot on our winners list, but Dalot does deserve praise for the rest of his performance too.
What are your thoughts on Alejandro Garnacho ahead of United facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge?
Will he even get off the bench this time?
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Losers
Alejandro Garnacho
An early injury to Estavao gave an opportunity for Carrington graduate Alejandro Garnacho to face his former side.
It was the first time since Garnacho’s £40m move to Chelsea that he has faced the Red Devils, and it ended in disaster for the 21-year-old.
Garnacho was at fault for United’s opener and had no impact on the game for Chelsea. Garnacho seems to be missing United based on his social media activity, but the reception from the travelling fans at Stamford Bridge showed he is certainly not welcome back.
Amad Diallo
There has been an ongoing battle between Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo for the starting spot on the right of United’s attack, and it seems the latter has won that feud.
United’s best performances have come with Mbeumo on the right, and Amad was limited to a late substitution cameo here at Stamford Bridge.
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