Manchester United travelled to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, looking to bounce back from their disappointing loss against Leeds United with three points against Chelsea.
Manchester United have earned an important three points in the Champions League race, with a 1-0 win against Liam Rosenior's Chelsea side, who started seven points behind them before the game in sixth position.
Going into the game, Michael Carrick would have known all three points were crucial if he had any hope of becoming the permanent head coach for 2026/27 and beyond.
United were without four of their senior central defenders for the trip to Stamford Bridge. Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro were out with what could be season-ending injuries, while Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez were suspended for red cards picked up against AFC Bournemouth and Leeds United, respectively.
Chelsea dominated the majority of the first half, and should have scored inside 35 minutes when Enzo Fernandez beat Mazraoui and Casemiro. But the Argentine placed it wide, and it was United who took the advantage going into the half-time interval.
Bruno Fernandes ran down the right flank, beating Cucurella and Garnacho, before playing the ball back to the edge of the box. Benjamin Šeško occupied one defender, while Matheus Cunha fired it first time into the top right corner - ensuring not to make the same mistake he made earlier on, when he took a heavy first touch and was carded for his troubles.
United looked like a better team in the second 45 minutes, but Chelsea struck the crossbar twice and continued to dominate the ball.
Former red Alejandro Garnacho looked to be Chelsea's main source of attack, but he was continually denied by Dalot and Mazraoui, including a brilliant recovery tackle in the 83rd minute from the latter.
#1 - Heaven shows Martínez traits
With so many defenders out of the game, Ayden Heaven was flung back into the starting lineup for the first time under Michael Carrick. He had not started a game since the 2-2 draw against Burnley under interim coach Darren Fletcher, who has since returned to Under-18s duty for the FA Youth Cup.
The former Arsenal defender looked shaky in the opening 45', but improved throughout the half, showcasing his on-the-ball talents.
Heaven played in midfield for Arsenal's academy up to the under-18s, and that was evident on Saturday evening. He often took the ball from Senne Lammens before deciding to break two lines of Chelsea's press with a pass, or just run through them like they were not there.
United fans are quick to praise Martínez for his passing range, but his difficulties with injuries mean they cannot rely on the former Ajax defender. Perhaps Heaven could, one day, be the reliable, ball-playing centre-back United are looking for.
#2 - Mainoo matters
Kobbie Mainoo returned to the starting XI against Chelsea, after missing the Leeds United match due to a slight knock in training. Ugarte dropped to the bench, and the difference was stark.
"It's good to have Kobbie back," Carrick said before the match. "He's played a big part for us in recent times." And he continued that with a brilliant performance in West London.
Mainoo often dropped between the auxiliary centre-backs, before carrying the ball into midfield, or spraying a pass to the flank to kick-start United's attack. His absence was duly felt against Leeds United, as the Red Devils often struggled to move the ball from defence to attack. Not today, though.
The England international was also crucial for Carrick's side out of possession. With the game often becoming stretched, Casemiro struggled to cover the ground and often lost his man, leaving just Mainoo to cover the midfield on his own. This would be too much for many, and rightly so, but Mainoo did well to hold down the midfield.
#3 - Mbeumo belongs through the middle
After Amad's poor performance against Leeds, Bryan Mbeumo returned to the starting lineup on the right flank, with Benjamin Šeško keeping his place through the middle.
Marc Cucurella often had the better of Mbeumo, likely due to a lack of acceleration from the former Brentford forward.
Mbeumo also likes to play with his back to goal, meaning he is forced to play it backwards if he does not have time to turn. This is fine when playing as a centre-forward, but United need wide players who can receive the ball on the turn and run at their full-back, before delivering a cross into the box or getting a shot off. That is not Mbeumo's game.
He broke through on goal in the 78th minute, with just Jorrell Hato to beat before getting a shot off. Mbeumo tried to cut inside and beat the defender, but could not drop his shoulder quickly enough to burst past Hato, and he was dispossessed. Bruno Fernandes was furious.
When the Cameroon international was at his best for Brentford, he played just behind Ivan Toney or Yoanne Wissa, as a second striker. This is unlikely to happen at Old Trafford, so he should return to the centre-forward role, where he started for Carrick.
#4 - Dalot proves critics wrong
Throughout his time in a red shirt, Diogo Dalot has been the subject of much criticism from fans and pundits alike, myself included.
While some of it has been justified, some criticism has clearly been misplaced and over the line.
Dalot was badly missed against Leeds on Monday evening, but returned to the starting lineup this evening and was one of United's better players.
The Portugal international shut down former teammate Garnacho, while continuing to play a key role in United's attack. His willingness to make runs both outside and inside offers a unique element to the right side, which is needed when Amad and Mbeumo are not on top form.
#5 - Mazraoui shows importance
Noussair Mazraoui was asked to play a role he had never played before today. The former Bayern defender started alongside Heaven in a back four, having only played as a centre-back under Rúben Amorim in a back five shape.
However, while he did struggle to hold down Liam Delap at times, for the most part, Mazraoui looked comfortable in central defence - even showcasing an expansive passing range. A difficult task in any position, never mind a new one.
He may not be United's best player, or even their best right-back, but Mazraoui is crucial to Michael Carrick, and he will be for the next head coach, whoever that may be. Mazraoui can comfortably play anywhere in defence, not to mention on the flank or in midfield if necessary.
With United returning to the Champions League next season, Mazrouai's versatility will be relied upon once again. And he will be more than happy to play wherever he is asked.