After a goalless first half in west London, Morgan Rogers scored a brilliant opener before Lisandro Martinez was sent off for a foul on Wesley Fofana.
That handed Chelsea a penalty, which Cole Palmer converted to earn Xabi Alonso’s side a much-deserved three points.
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith was at Stamford Bridge to rate the Chelsea players’ performances...
Mike Penders 7
Made a couple of important saves but United’s shots were not that threatening... until Bryan Mbeumo’s stunning effort was superbly pushed against the crossbar in stoppage time.
Josh Acheampong 8
Chelsea’s most alert defender. Aware of danger and came careering in to make a few really vital challenges. A performance that bodes well for the future.
Wesley Fofana 4
The worst player in a Chelsea shirt once again, though he did improve in the second half after a first 45 minutes that exposed him defensively.
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Levi Colwill 6
Got his head to a few crosses and was disciplined defensively for the Blues.
Pedro Neto 6
Worked hard, starting as a No9 and then moving out to the right flank. Had a few nice give-and-goes with Estevao.
Romeo Lavia 8
Chelsea’s man of the match. Put in a huge shift in the middle of the park and his interception led to Chelsea’s opener.
Moises Caicedo 6
Solid as ever in midfield, helping to calm things down in the middle when needed.
Marco Palestra 5
First start in all competitions and didn’t make the most of it. His pace and positioning were pretty poor.
Cole Palmer 7
Good defensively at cutting things out and then added his 50th Premier League goal for Chelsea from the penalty spot.
Estevao 7
Constantly tried to make things happen as he was finally handed his first league start under Alonso. Had two goals disallowed and was very bright.
Morgan Rogers 7
Scored a sensational opening goal to break the deadlock and deserves his 7/10 for that alone.
Went to left-back (or left wing-back) to replace Palestra. Played to Palmer, who should have scored but blazed over.
Malo Gusto (Estevao, 87’) N/A
Danny Welbeck (Caicedo, 87’) N/A
Valentin Barco (Neto, 87’) N/A
Not used: Sharman-Lowe, Emegha, Nicoll-Jazuli, Subuloye