RUBEN HAS A HOT BRU

Fernandes bags 100th goal to take heat off under-fire boss

- BY SIMON PEACH

MANCHESTER UNITED ended an eventful encounter with a much-needed victory over Chelsea as Robert Sanchez's early red card proved more costly than goalscorer Casemiro's sending-off.

Pressure has been mounting on Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim after the club's worst topflight season in 51 years last time out was compounded by a sluggish start to the new campaign.

Under-fire Amorim got the response he needed to United's meek Manchester derby defeat, with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro scoring in a chaotic first half bookended by red cards before the hosts saw off a late Chelsea charge sparked by Trevoh Chalobah's header.

It was an action-packed match played in challenging conditions at Old Trafford, where the hosts capitalised on Chelsea goalkeeper Sanchez's mistimed tackle five minutes into the game.

Fernandes marked his 200th Premier League appearance with his 100th goal for United and Casemiro nodded Amorim's men further ahead before needlessly picking up a second yellow card in first-half stoppage time.