Manchester United vs Chelsea LIVE! Premier League result, match stream, latest reaction and updates today

Manchester United vs Chelsea - LIVE!

Scott McTominay's brace sealed a much-needed victory for Manchester United and their under-fire manager Erik ten Hag against Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea. Wednesday's Old Trafford encounter pitted together a pair of Premier League giants going through growing pains as they seek to become contenders again.

United were under extra pressure heading into the match following reports of player unhappiness with Ten Hag, whose side reacted with a spirited 2-1 victory. McTominay was the hero as the Dutchman's side deservedly overcame the Blues, whose manager Pochettino was considered his main rival for the United post when he was appointed.

The homegrown midfielder's first goal came midway through a first half that began with Robert Sanchez saving a Bruno Fernandes penalty and ended with a fine leveller from former Manchester City midfielder Cole Palmer. McTominay put the hosts back ahead with a powerful header and Chelsea substitute Armando Broja saw a late header hit the post as United bounced back from Saturday's lifeless loss at Newcastle.

Man United vs Chelsea latest news

• GOAL! McTominay header restores advantage

• GOAL! Palmer equalises superbly before half-time

• GOAL! McTominay gives United deserved lead

• SAVED! Sanchez keeps out early Fernandes penalty

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23:00 , Matt Verri

Scott McTominay scored twice as Manchester United eased the pressure on Erik ten Hag with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford.

The midfielder took his tally for United this season to six goals as he scored in either half, ensuring the hosts picked up a much-needed three points despite Bruno Fernandes' early missed penalty.

Cole Palmer had equalised for the Blues just before the break, but McTominay headed home his second with 20 minutes remaining as United moved to within just three points of the top four, for all the apparent problems both on and off the pitch.

Chelsea remain tenth, any European ambitions looking a long way off.

Read our full report here!

Man United ratings

22:43 , Matt Verri

Scott McTominay - 9

McTominay has become Manchester United's match winner in a plot twist no one saw coming. He is the top scorer and, seemingly, the only player who can hit the target.

Antony - 6

Worked extremely hard for the team and involved in many of the good attacking moves, but was also wasteful. It was an erratic display.

Click here for our Man United ratings!

Nizaar Kinsella at Old Trafford

22:36 , Matt Verri

A deserved win for Man United, they looked fragile at times but also far the better team. They could have won by more.

Chelsea look tired and are now eight points behind United and 11 behind fourth-place Man City.

Chelsea ratings

22:26 , Matt Verri

Robert Sanchez - 8

He made a wonderful save on Bruno Fernandes' early penalty and several point-blank saves to save Chelsea in a poor first half. His kicking could have been better, though, which is why he didn't get a perfect rating.

Nicolas Jackson - 4

He slipped to give away possession for United's first goal and often didn't make the right decision in attacking situations. He missed a one-on-one and a close-range header.

Read our full Chelsea ratings here!

McTominay at the double!

22:19 , Matt Verri

This proved to be the winner for Man United...

FT: Man United 2-1 Chelsea

22:15 , Matt Verri

The pressure is eased on Erik ten Hag.

Really good performance from Man United, they've been much the better side.

Could have scored five or six very easily - they'll settle for a 2-1 win though.

Man United 2-1 Chelsea

22:14 , Matt Verri

90+3 mins: Reguilon into the book for time-wasting.

Not sure Man United need to be doing that to be honest, Chelsea are not looking hugely dangerous, beyond that Broja header.

All on James really, he's on the only threat...

Man United 2-1 Chelsea

22:11 , Matt Verri

90 mins: Four minutes added on.

Broja hits the woodwork! James pings the ball to the back post, Broja from a tight angle nods it against the post.

Man United 2-1 Chelsea

22:09 , Matt Verri

89 mins: It's easy to forget this is still only 2-1... Chelsea not out of it, despite United's dominance.

Ball drops for James in the box, but he lashes a strike well over the bar.

Man United 2-1 Chelsea

22:08 , Matt Verri

88 mins: Great tackle from Fernandes, United still working so hard.

They have been a million miles better than they were against Newcastle - it's been a big response.

Man United 2-1 Chelsea

22:05 , Matt Verri

85 mins: Superb ball in from James, Fernandez has a real chance at the near post. Looks to flick it, makes no contact.

Colwill plays the ball back into the middle... again Fernandez doesn't get a touch!

Man United 2-1 Chelsea

22:03 , Matt Verri

83 mins: Bright run from Sterling, wins Chelsea a free-kick in a good position.

It's knocked to Fernandez, who has Antony about six inches in front of him by the time he shoots. Blocked.

United turn to their bench. Rashford coming on, replaces Hojlund... who I forgot was playing.

Man United 2-1 Chelsea

22:00 , Matt Verri

79 mins: Chelsea really struggling.

James again with a poor header out, it should be 3-1.

Reguilon gets in down the left, cut back to Garnacho and he is inches away from finding the far corner.

Man United 2-1 Chelsea

21:57 , Matt Verri

77 mins: Pochettino turns to his bench.

Mudryk, who didn't make the most of his first-half chances, is off. Broja on, he has 13 minutes plus stoppage-time to get Chelsea back in this.

Man United 2-1 Chelsea

21:54 , Matt Verri

74 mins: Huge block from James!

Onana lumps a long ball forward, James makes a complete mess of the header and Garnacho is clean through.

But just as he gets the shot away, James flies in to make a crucial block.

Man United 2-1 Chelsea

21:52 , Matt Verri

72 mins: Could have had a hat-trick!

Awful pass out from Sanchez, not for the first time tonight.

Antony with the reverse pass, McTominay clean through... shanks an effort wide.

21:51 , Matt Verri

VAR checking this.

Chelsea think there was a foul at the back post, as McTominay made his run.

Goal given!

GOAL! Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea | Scott McTominay 69'

21:49 , Matt Verri

HE'S DONE IT AGAIN!

Garnacho clips a lovely ball to the back post, they're queing up for United and it's McTominay who is on hand to power the header past Sanchez.

Man United 1-1 Chelsea

21:48 , Matt Verri

68 mins: Man United into double figures for corners now. Fernandes to take the latest.

It's towards Dalot at the near post, Chelsea head it clear. Worked back to Fernandes, ball in only finds the head of Fernandez.

Man United 1-1 Chelsea

21:44 , Matt Verri

64 mins: Caicedo lets Fernandes skip past him, shot is deflected behind for yet another corner.

Swung into the middle, McTominay gets up well and forces Sanchez into a save. Chelsea goalkeeper spills the ball, but nobody there in a red shirt.

Man United 1-1 Chelsea

21:41 , Matt Verri

61 mins: Massive appeals for a United penalty, as Shaw hammers an effort at goal.

Ball dropped to him from a corner, did it hit a hand? Ten Hag and 70,000 Man United fans think so.

VAR not interested.

Nizaar Kinsella at Old Trafford

21:40 , Matt Verri

Chelsea have improved quite a bit in this half but are probably still second best.

They've been lucky to stay in this game but can they take advantage of that fact?

Man United 1-1 Chelsea

21:40 , Matt Verri

60 mins: This has not been a vintage 15 minutes. The first-half feels like a long time ago.

Garnacho skips to the byline, but his cross into the middle is over everyone and out for a throw-in.

Rashford warming up on the touchline.

Man United 1-1 Chelsea

21:38 , Matt Verri

58 mins: A 30 second spell that Sunday League players would be proud of.

Silva slices the ball straight up, Reguilon doesn't do much better, Caicedo then bear hugs Hojlund and eventually the whistle goes. A mess.

Man United 1-1 Chelsea

21:35 , Matt Verri

55 mins: Well... you probably can't criticise him.

Ball to the back post, Garnacho has a lot of time and could just take the ball down. Instead launches himself into the air and looks for a scissor kick into the far corner. Well wide.

This one is better, driving into the box and curling a strike just wide.

Man United 1-1 Chelsea

21:33 , Matt Verri

53 mins: Both sides sloppy on the ball at the moment.

Amrabat forced all the way back into his own half, as Palmer chases after him. The United midfielder has had a pretty tough night.

Man United 1-1 Chelsea

21:30 , Matt Verri

50 mins: Big chance!

Corner flicked on to the far post, Jackson gives Dalot a nudge and then creates the space... heads over from just a few yards out.

Should really have scored.

Man United 1-1 Chelsea

21:28 , Matt Verri

48 mins: Scrappy start to the half - doesn't look to be the same space on offer that we saw before the break.

Shame. Rude of the managers to change that.

Palmer does open United up though, played in behind Shaw. Sterling's low cross turned behind for a corner.

Nizaar Kinsella at Old Trafford

21:27 , Matt Verri

Reece James is on at half-time, no doubt chomping at the bit.

He isn't fully fit but will no doubt do better than Cucurella at right back.

Back underway!

21:25 , Matt Verri

Up and running for the second-half.

James on for Chelsea at the break, replacing Cucurella. United have made a change too - Reguilon on for Lindelof. Shaw shifts to centre-back.

First-half stats...

21:20 , Matt Verri

Man United had 18 shots in that first half. EIGHTEEN.

Just the five for Chelsea, who were second best by a margin, but the Blues don't care about that.

It's level. Somehow.

Nizaar Kinsella at Old Trafford

21:16 , Matt Verri

United totally dominant throughout the half but Chelsea survive through Sanchez and hit back through Cole Palmer.

This match is as bonkers as you might expect from these two.

How Chelsea levelled it up...

21:12 , Matt Verri

Palmer the man to deliver for Chelsea yet again.

HT: Man United 1-1 Chelsea

21:08 , Matt Verri

And breathe. That was a lot of fun.

United missed an early penalty through Fernandes, but McTominay then did give them the lead. Could easily have scored two or three more after that.

But Chelsea just about held on, and they are level at the break thanks to Palmer. Game on.

Man United 1-1 Chelsea

21:06 , Matt Verri

45+6 mins: And another one, as Silva heads it behind at the near post.

Swung in right on top of Sanchez, he flaps at the ball but gets a free-kick. Bit fortunate there.

Man United 1-1 Chelsea

21:05 , Matt Verri

45+5 mins: Garnacho gets to the byline, United want a penalty for handball as Cucurella slides in to block the low cross.

Not even close to his hand. Corner for the hosts.

Nizaar Kinsella at Old Trafford

21:04 , Matt Verri

Man United, as good as they have been, are somehow drawing.

A wonderful Cole Palmer strike against the club he supported as a boy.

Man United 1-1 Chelsea

21:02 , Matt Verri

45+2 mins: Just the eight minutes added on.

And Chelsea are all over United now. Sterling past Fernandez, draws a foul from Amrabat. Hosts needs to hold on for half-time.

GOAL! Man United 1-1 Chelsea | Cole Palmer 45'

21:00 , Matt Verri

Brilliant!

Chelsea don't deserve an equaliser... but they have one.

Palmer drifts past the challenges on his left foot, space looks to have gone but he reverses a finish into the far corner. Superb.

Man United 1-0 Chelsea

20:58 , Matt Verri

43 mins: Fernandes takes, deflected behind for a corner.

Taken short, worked to Fernandes... who again whips an effort at goal. Comfortably wide. File that under 'ambitious'.

Man United 1-0 Chelsea

20:56 , Matt Verri

41 mins: Right, McTominay back up and fine to continue.

Going to have a few minutes added on at the end of this half, which is very good news. Not sure anyone watching this wants it to stop.

Caicedo with a clumsy foul, free-kick in a great position for United. 25 yards out, central.

Man United 1-0 Chelsea

20:53 , Matt Verri

38 mins: Rare pause in play.

McTominay is down and will need some treatment, looks to be in a fair bit of pain. Did get caught.

Man United 1-0 Chelsea

20:51 , Matt Verri

36 mins: It is CRAZY how many chances there have been.

United's defence this time disappears. Mudryk with a massive opportunity, drags the shot towards the near post but it's wide. Onana wasn't getting there.

Nizaar Kinsella at Old Trafford

20:50 , Matt Verri

The good thing is United are capable of getting 'Copenhagen Syndrome' at any time, so this game is somehow alive.

But Chelsea should be dead and buried.

Man United 1-0 Chelsea

20:50 , Matt Verri

34 mins: Chelsea could have conceded six goals already. Defence has been a shambles.

Good news for them though, they are creating opportunities at the other end. And it's only 1-0.

Man United 1-0 Chelsea

20:48 , Matt Verri

32 mins: HOW HAS HE MISSED THAT?!

McTominay completely free, six yards out. Powers the header straight at Sanchez, and then sends the rebound at him too! Two massive chances.

And now Sterling is clean through, squares it for Jackson... Onana flies out to smother the shot! Madness.

Nizaar Kinsella at Old Trafford

20:47 , Matt Verri

Ridiculous stoppage as the linesman gets his radio system replaced.

That's everyone home five minutes later at this 8.15pm kick-off.

Man United 1-0 Chelsea

20:46 , Matt Verri

30 mins: Right, we have a man who looks like he might be able to have. He has a briefcase.

That has done the trick, for now at least. About the only pause we've had in half an hour.

Man United 1-0 Chelsea

20:44 , Matt Verri

29 mins: Brief delay, as the linesman's earpiece gives up with life. Fourth official swiftly on the scene, a bit of rewiring and we're good to go.

Or not. We've had to stop again. Fourth official is moving things around with the look of a man who has no idea what he's doing.

Man United 1-0 Chelsea

20:43 , Matt Verri

27 mins: Would be a miracle if this finished 1-0.

United are cutting Chelsea open at will, the visitors are all over the place at the back,

Dalot fires the ball to Garnacho at the back post. He beats Cucurella, plays it across the face of goal but Hojlund can't get there for a tap-in.

Man United 1-0 Chelsea

20:40 , Matt Verri

25 mins: Good run from Jackson, bundles his way through the challenges.

Pokes the ball to Sterling in the box, he chops inside past Lindelof and throws himself to the floor... penalty?

No. Replays suggest that was very much a dive. Should have been booked.

Man United 1-0 Chelsea

20:37 , Matt Verri

22 mins: Chelsea have a chance to hit straight back, again the final ball is a really poor one though. Dalot clears.

Garnacho looks to beat Cucurella, loses the ball and then is deemed to have fouled the full-back. He throws the ball into the ground in frustration... yellow card for dissent.

GOAL! Man United 1-0 Chelsea | Scott McTominay 19'

20:35 , Matt Verri

Ball bobbles around in the Chelsea box, Silva with a desperate block to turn it behind for a corner.

Whipped into the near post, Maguire flicks it on but nobody in a red shirt is there to turn the ball home.

BUT UNITED SCORE NOW!

Chelsea have a chance to counter, lose it and United come again. Garnacho cuts it back, Maguire's shot is blocked... falls to McTominay and he fires it low into the bottom corner.

Nizaar Kinsella at Old Trafford

20:33 , Matt Verri

It has been a poor start from Chelsea but they still look able to hurt United when they go forward.

Mykhailo Mudryk hit the post, but it was a tame effort in truth, Enzo Fernandez has just had a long-range shot saved.

Man United 0-0 Chelsea

20:33 , Matt Verri

18 mins: Chelsea are getting chances on the break, Amrabat looks well off the pace.

Fernandez tries his luck from distance, decent strike but it's straight at Onana.

Man United 0-0 Chelsea

20:31 , Matt Verri

16 mins: Shaw booked for poking the ball away as Chelsea are awarded a free-kick. So pointless.

Antony then continues to do everything possible to avoid using his right foot. Chops inside onto his left, sends a tame effort at goal. Easy save for Sanchez.

Man United 0-0 Chelsea

20:29 , Matt Verri

13 mins: Ridiculous amount of space on offer for both sides.

Sanchez forced into another save, as Garnacho fires an effort at goal, but Chelsea are then straight on the attack themselves.

Mudryk has options both sides, United really exposed... terrible pass.

Man United 0-0 Chelsea

20:27 , Matt Verri

12 mins: Antony gets the pass away, before Colwill clatters into him a second later. Defender maybe fortunate to avoid a yellow card.

Here come Chelsea though, their first real attack. Mudryk played in, after Amrabat loses it deep in his own half.

Tight angle... off the post! Mudryk couldn't squeeze it past Onana.

Nizaar Kinsella at Old Trafford

20:25 , Matt Verri

Robert Sanchez saves a Bruno Fernandes penalty! Chelsea have been all over the place early on but United can't take advantage.

VAR gave in United's favour as Enzo Fernandez caught Antony.

SAVED!

20:24 , Matt Verri

Sanchez keeps it level!

Weak. Fernandes strolls up to the ball, nowhere near the corner and Sanchez parries it out.

Hojlund has a chance with the follow-up, blasted over.

PENALTY MAN UNITED!

20:24 , Matt Verri

There it is!

Pochettino laughing, as the referee returns to point to the spot.

Fernandez was late, needless challenge. Will be Fernandes to take for Man United.

Man United 0-0 Chelsea

20:22 , Matt Verri

7 mins: Well then. VAR review, was Antony fouled as he poked the ball away?

Fernandez did stand on his foot briefly, but this would be pretty soft. Referee over to look at the monitor.

We know what this normally means...

Man United 0-0 Chelsea

20:21 , Matt Verri

6 mins: Chelsea haven't really got going, United putting them under early pressure.

Dalot again involved, puts a dangerous ball into the middle. Cucurella takes a wild hack at it, slices the ball behind him for a corner. Not particularly convincing, to put it mildly.

Corner comes to nothing, Chelsea need to settle.

Antony then has a chance to get a shot away, takes too long. McTominay does fire an effort at goal.. another corner!

Man United 0-0 Chelsea

20:19 , Matt Verri

4 mins: Shaw slides a ball down the side of the Chelsea defence, Hojlund is really sharp in beating Silva to it.

Gets the shot away earlier, fired low to the far post and Sanchez gets down to turn it away. Good save.

Nizaar Kinsella at Old Trafford

20:18 , Matt Verri

Marc Cucurella is playing at right back, with Levi Colwill at left back.

It took my eyes a minute to work that out, given two players are out of position when only one needed to be!

Man United 0-0 Chelsea

20:18 , Matt Verri

3 mins: Weak from Fernandez, lets Dalot skip by him.

The full-back squares the ball to Fernandes, but the United captain blasts the effort over from 25 yards out. Open start to the match.

Man United 0-0 Chelsea

20:17 , Matt Verri

2 mins: Jackson has an early chance to run at Maguire.

Knocks the ball through his legs, goes down and thinks he should have a free-kick just outside the box. Referee waves the appeals away.

That could easily have been given - Pochettino less than impressed.

KICK-OFF!

20:15 , Matt Verri

We're up and running!

Nizaar Kinsella at Old Trafford

20:14 , Matt Verri

The big talking point at Manchester United is Marcus Rashford has dropped to the bench. You have to say, it is deserved.

His performance has dropped more than any other in recent weeks, but Antony, who steps in to replace him, hasn't been much better.

Here we go!

20:12 , Matt Verri

Teams are out onto the pitch at Old Trafford.

United could really do with a fast start tonight, they don't need the frustration from the fans building further...

Nizaar Kinsella at Old Trafford

20:09 , Matt Verri

An real achievement for Levi Colwill to captain Chelsea at just 20-years-old.

He is a player who is absolutely ready for it, a born leader, on and off the pitch.

Pochettino explains why James is on the bench

20:07 , Matt Verri

"Reece played against Newcastle and then he was suspended against Brighton. For different reasons we need to try to look after him and his fitness."He starts from the bench with the possibility to maybe play in the second half and then to build again his confidence for the future, to be solid in his performance."

Palmer to shine?

20:03 , Matt Verri

Cole Palmer in the starting lineup for Chelsea tonight.

The 21-year-old broke through at Manchester City, but he grew up as a Manchester United fan.

Spent much of his childhood dreaming of being the star man at Old Trafford - gets his chance tonight, even if it's not quite how he imagined.

Ten Hag explains team selection

19:54 , Matt Verri

"It is part of rotation," the United boss says. "Everyone has to be ready and energized.

"We played as a team against Everton and Galatasaray. We dictated and dominated and we need to play as a team again."

Couple of new pundits...

19:51 , Matt Verri

Another 4-4 incoming for Chelsea, apparently...

Night to remember for Colwill!

19:44 , Matt Verri

Pochettino has handed the Chelsea captain's armband to the young defender.

As it stands

19:40 , Matt Verri

Chelsea are tenth in the table, but can close to within two points of Manchester United with victory tonight. Need to win these kind of games to get themselves back into the Champions League argument.

United could move two points off the top four if they win, and Aston Villa are beaten by Man City.

Not a huge gap between fourth and tenth in the table, a couple of wins and the picture will be looking much, much better for either side.

Ten Hag backs Onana

19:32 , Matt Verri

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has defended under-fire Andre Onana and insisted the Cameroon international is among the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.

Onana has repeatedly been in the spotlight since United spent £47million on the 27-year-old this summer to replace David De Gea, and although it had been felt his form was improving recently, last week's 3-3 draw against Galatasaray was a clear setback as he was at fault for two goals.

Onana also made a mistake for a goal in United's Champions League defeat against Bayern Munich, but while he has struggled in Europe, Ten Hag pointed to the statistics that say Onana is second in saves made, save percentage and goals prevented in the Premier League.

"If you analyse it well then you see he is the second best goalkeeper in the Premier League based on stats, so his expected defending goals is the second best in the Premier League," Ten Hag said.

Varane absence explained

19:26 , Matt Verri

Raphael Varane not in the Man United squad tonight.

The club say the Frenchman has a "sore back" - yet more injury problems for Ten Hag in defence.

Lindelof's return is a timely one then, allowing Shaw to return to left-back.

Rashford and Martial benched!

19:23 , Matt Verri

As we mentioned earlier, Rashford and Martial have both been dropped to the bench. Neither can have any complaints really.

Garnacho keeps his place in the front three, but Mainoo is not named in midfield as McTominay and Amrabat are preferred instead.

Dalot at right-back, with Shaw shifting back out to the left of defence as Lindelof returns.

For Chelsea, big news is that James is only on the bench on his return from suspension. Palmer starts for the Blues, with Gallagher suspended, while Cucurella is back from a ban of his own.

Otherwise it's pretty much as expected - Sterling, Mudryk and Jackson providing plenty of pace up front.

Chelsea team news

19:17 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Sanchez, Disasi, Silva, Colwill, Cucurella,Caicedo, Fernandez, Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk, Jackson.

Subs: Badiashile, Broja, James, Petrovic, Maatsen, Washington, Gilchrist, Matos, Castledine.

Man United team news

19:16 , Matt Verri

Starting XI: Onana, Dalot, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, Amrabat, McTominay, Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund

Subs: Bayindir, Evans, Reguilon, Wan-Bissaka, Mainoo, Pellistri, Van de Beek, Rashford, Martial

Colwill reflects on first Chelsea goal

19:09 , Matt Verri

Levi Colwill says scoring his first goal for boyhood club Chelsea is the realisation of a life-long dream.

The 20-year-old defender produced a towering far-post header in the 3-2 weekend win over Brighton at Stamford Bridge, having latched onto Nicolas Jackson’s flick-on.

Colwill has been at Chelsea since he was eight years old and began to celebrate his goal before holding back out of respect for Brighton, where he spent last season on loan.

Asked whether he had dreamed of the moment while in the club's academy, he said: “100 per cent! 100 per cent! This is what every little boy in the academy thinks about - I am so happy to be living my dream.

“This moment means everything to me after growing up through the club and academy. It was a lot of emotions after I headed it in. But I wasn’t sure if the referee would give it, and he gave it.

"I ran off to celebrate my first Prem goal but then realised it was against my old team, so I needed to show them some respect, which I did."

Rashford dropped?

19:02 , Matt Verri

Reports that Marcus Rashford has been left out of the starting lineup for Manchester United tonight.

Sounds like it could be a front three of Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho.

All will be revealed in just over ten minutes...

Pochettino: We must be ready to compete

18:56 , Matt Verri

Despite the off-field distractions at Manchester United, Mauricio Pochettino does not believe this is a good time to be playing them.

“I don’t say it’s a good moment to go there," the Chelsea boss said.

"The most important thing is to be ready to compete, because we’re going to face a team that is going to be tough and wants to win.

“But we want to keep our momentum, build from Brighton and be higher in the table. For us, that’s important. If we want to be in a different position, it’s a game we have to go and try to win.”

Chelsea more united

18:47 , Matt Verri

Chelsea’s trip to Manchester United would have had top billing as a Premier League title clash in years gone by, but these two giants of English football have fallen.

At best, the match at Old Trafford is a meeting of clubs trying to qualify for the Champions League.

The turmoil at United has deepened and the build-up has been dominated by reports of a dressing-room revolt against manager Erik ten Hag.

A 3-2 win for Chelsea over Brighton on Sunday eased the scrutiny on Mauricio Pochettino, with fighting spirit and team cohesion suggesting some slow progress in his rebuild.

Unlike some of the accusations against United, Chelsea at least look like they have a plan. Their young team have defensive frailties, discipline issues, are naive at times and remain inconsistent, but they have a clear style of play under Pochettino.

Click here for our full preview!

Antony hits back at critics

18:39 , Matt Verri

Manchester United winger Antony has hit back at the "malicious" criticism recently levelled at the club and player.

The Red Devils host Chelsea tonight, following media reports over dressing room discontent with manager Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman has fervently denied any accusation of disharmony at Old Trafford, banning a portion of the media relating to the story, having also faced criticism from high-profile United pundits such as Gary Neville and Roy Keane.

Brazilian winger Antony, 23, has taken aim at unnamed "former players" for their comments on his recent performances.

"I see criticism coming from former club players and other people in the media, who unreasonably express their opinions and influence thousands of fans, sometimes even when I do not play," he told The United Stand.

"But I've never seen them give constructive criticism, which will help me be a better professional. None of them have ever sent me a message to see how I am feeling, especially during this period of turbulence that I am going through. The 'digital court' is ruining lives; contexts are left aside, and the truth no longer matters."

Nkunku wait goes on

18:31 , Matt Verri

Christopher Nkunku remains out for the trip to face Manchester United, as the summer signing's wait to make his Chelsea debut continues.

Asked yesterday whether Nkunku is back, manager Mauricio Pochettino said: "No. I hope he is back soon but he is not involved tomorrow, no.

"It's like I always tell you, sometimes we have been excited seeing him on the pitch and have him as soon as possible but we need to be careful. When he is ready, he will be ready."

Stage is set

18:23 , Matt Verri

Going to be a very, very cold night in Manchester!

Ten Hag defiant amid reports

18:16 , Matt Verri

Under-fire Erik ten Hag insists he retains the backing of Manchester United players after the club banned journalists who reported the manager had lost some of the dressing room.

A lifeless defeat at Newcastle was already United's 10th of the season across all competitions, a record not matched since the club were relegated 50 years ago.

Four media outlets on Monday reported that Ten Hag had lost the confidence of up to half of his players, with concerns over his style, tactics and signings. Those four were informed on Tuesday morning that they had been banned from the manager's press conference yesterday.

United said the action was taken for not "contacting us first to give us the opportunity to comment, challenge or contextualise", adding they believed it was "an important principle to defend".

Asked if he believed he still had the requisite buy-in from his players to be successful, Ten Hag said: "Oh yes, I'm sure.

"But you can see, for instance, the comeback against Brentford, the Burnley game, the Fulham game, so every time the team is there, showed great character.

"Great determination, resilient, so yeah, we are together. And you can see you can't play such great football what we did lately if there is no unity."

Pochettino full of praise for Garnacho

18:09 , Matt Verri

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino says he is not surprised by Alejandro Garnacho’s progress at Manchester United, having followed him closely since his days in Spanish football.

In recent weeks, the 19-year-old winger has been one of the few positives for Erik ten Hag’s struggling team, scoring a stunning bicycle kick away at Everton before netting again in the Champions League against Galatasaray.

Pochettino, who spends much of his time in Barcelona when not working at Chelsea, first came across Garnacho when he was at former club Atletico Madrid.

"He is an exciting player, young and talented," Pochettino said of his compatriot, who has three senior international caps for Argentina to date.

"It’s not surprising to us because we knew about him when he was in Spain before moving to Manchester. It’s good to see a young player being brave and showing the talent that he is showing.

"He is Argentinian and Spanish. He is the opposite of me because I am Argentinian-Spanish; he is Spanish-Argentinian.

"It’s exciting because it’s good to have these type of players for the national team and I’m excited to see him on the pitch."

In the building!

18:00 , Matt Verri

The hosts have arrived nice and early...

Standard Sport prediction

17:52 , Matt Verri

This is a battle between two teams who have been largely poor this season with the odd bright spark.

The only real guarantee is goals, with both defences unable to keep a clean sheet, but whatever version of either team turns up is anyone's guess.

We'll sit on the fence somewhat and plump for a 2-2 draw.

Chelsea team news

17:43 , Matt Verri

Reece James will return tonight to captain the Chelsea side after his suspension following a red card against Newcastle.

The Blues' injury list has though grown further ahead of tonight's trip to Manchester United, with Christopher Nkunku and Romeo Lavia expected to remain unavailable.

Mauricio Pochettino has also confirmed the absences of Noni Madueke and Lesley Ugochukwu ahead of the Premier League game at Old Trafford.

Conor Gallagher is suspended after getting sent off for two yellow cards in the 3-2 win over Brighton on Sunday.

Marc Cucurella is back from his one-match ban after accumulating five yellow cards, but may only make the bench.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Disasi, Silva, Colwill; Fernandez, Caicedo; Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson

Man United team news

17:38 , Matt Verri

Mason Mount may be denied a reunion against his former club tonight.

The former Chelsea academy star, sold to Man United in the summer, is back in training after suffering a calf injury just over a week ago.

Erik ten Hag has admitted he is unsure when Mount will be fit to return for United, after the midfielder was expected to miss as much as a month of action when initially ruled out.

Mount is the only of United's injured cohort nearing full fitness, with Casemiro joining Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen, Amad Diallo and Tyrell Malacia in missing the visit of Chelsea.

There have been questions over Marcus Rashford's form, however a lack of in-form alternatives should keep him in the line-up.

Predicted Man Utd XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Shaw, Reguilon; Amrabat, Mainoo; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund

How to watch Man United vs Chelsea

17:34 , Matt Verri

TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Amazon Prime Video.

Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Amazon Prime Video app and website.

Live blog: You can follow all the action tonight right here, with expert analysis from Nizaar Kinsella at the ground.

Good evening!

17:30 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport's LIVE coverage of Man United vs Chelsea!

Two sides who badly need a win to lift the mood - arguably more so United, even if they are four points ahead of Chelsea as it stands.

Been a rough few days for Erik ten Hag - not easy to make Chelsea look like the calmer, more stable club.

We'll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of kick-off, which comes at 8:15pm GMT from Old Trafford. Stay with us!