Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes marked a milestone night at Old Trafford by scoring his 100th goal for the club in a dramatic 2–1 win over Chelsea on Saturday.

The match, played in torrential rain, was the first in Premier League history to feature two or more goals, red cards, and substitutions all within the opening half. Fernandes opened the scoring nine minutes after Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was dismissed for bringing down Bryan Mbeumo outside the area.

Casemiro doubled United’s lead before being sent off himself just before the interval, leaving both sides with ten men. Chelsea’s Trevor Chalobah pulled one back with a late header, but United held firm to secure their second league victory of the season.

The win, witnessed by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, lifted Ruben Amorim’s side into the top half of the table, just two points off the top four. Fernandes, who was visibly fired up throughout, roared at the Stretford End after forcing a late save from Chelsea substitute goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, demanding more noise from the home crowd.

Chelsea’s night unravelled further with early injuries and substitutions, including the loss of key forward Cole Palmer, who left the field after aggravating a groin problem. Manager Enzo Maresca’s defensive reshuffle after Sanchez’s dismissal backfired, leaving his side chasing the game.

The victory also extended Chelsea’s winless run at Old Trafford, where they have not claimed three points since 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Faridah Abdulkadiri 

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