United within reach of Chelsea following victory on Monday Night Football

Manchester United secured their first league double over Chelsea since 1987/88 with a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge.

With a game full of talking points, Harry Maguire will definitely be the main talking points of this intense fixture. Maguire scored for United after a controversial decision not to send him off as he appeared to have kicked out at Michy Batshuayi.

With the absence of Tammy Abraham, Batshuayi was selected by Chelsea boss Frank Lampard to fill the shoes of the England striker. However, he wasted a great opportunity just before the half-hour mark following a great ball in by Mason Mount down the left flank.

United’s goal came just a minute before the break and against the run of play. A great bit of movement from Aaron Wan-Bassaka to get away from Willian allowed the full-back to get his cross in and find the head of Anthony Martial who put it to the far post of Willy Caballero’s net.

Batshuayi then had a chance to put his side level before the break but was unable to convert from what was a tight angle.

Chelsea thought they had equalised 10 minutes after the break when Kurt Zouma volleyed it in from a corner, however, VAR ruled it out following a push on Brandon Williams by Cesar Azpilicueta.

United then thought they had then got a second. United were awarded a free-kick following some casual play from Pedro which lead to him bringing down Fred. January signing Bruno Fernandes took it but then hit the woodwork.

But Fernandes would then contribute to United’s second just after the hour. His set-piece was firmly headed by Maguire and past Caballero. This time at the Argentine’s near post.

Frank Lampard then swapped Batshauyi with Olivier Giroud, who received a mixed reception from the home supporters.

But that reaction changed to one of encouragement after he found the net with just 13 minutes left. But that feeling soon turned back to frustration not long after following VAR’s decision to rule out Giroud’s goal for offside.

It was a disappointing day from Lampard’s side, who also lost key midfielder N’Golo Kante to injury after 11 minutes.

Regardless of how United won, it’s a crucial win and remain in the thick of the hunt for a place in the Champions League next season. They find themselves three points behind the Blues and will now prepare for their game at Club Brugge on Thursday night.