Manchester United midfielder Casemiro made history for all the wrong reasons during a dramatic 2-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford. While his goal helped secure the win, the Brazilian also became the first Manchester United player to score and be sent off in the first half of a Premier League match, marking an unusual milestone in the club’s history.
Casemiro’s mixed evening
Casemiro opened the scoring for Manchester United, heading home a goal that underscored his importance in the midfield. However, his contribution was overshadowed by a second yellow card that saw him dismissed before the interval. This rare feat had not been achieved by any United player in Premier League history and was last recorded in the competition by Emmanuel Adebayor for Tottenham Hotspur against Arsenal in November 2012.
The Brazilian’s early exit forced United to adjust their tactics, yet they managed to hold on to their lead, demonstrating the team’s resilience despite the numerical disadvantage.
Red cards and historic first-half drama
The match itself was historic, with both teams seeing a player sent off in the first half—an occurrence not seen in the Premier League since Crystal Palace faced Chelsea in October 2014. This contributed to a chaotic first half that also included multiple substitutions, adding further challenges for both managers.
Remarkably, the fixture became the first Premier League game in history to feature 2+ goals, 2+ red cards, and 2+ substitutions in the first half, a testament to the intensity and unpredictability of top-flight football at Old Trafford.
Chelsea’s continued struggles at Old Trafford
Chelsea’s defeat added to their woes at Old Trafford, extending their winless streak in Premier League away matches against Manchester United to 13 games (D7 L6). Despite creating chances and maintaining possession, the Blues were unable to overcome United’s clinical finishing and defensive resilience.
The combination of Casemiro’s goal, the dismissals, and the unprecedented first-half drama made the fixture a memorable one for statistical reasons, even as United claimed a crucial victory that boosts their standing in the league table.
Lessons and takeaways
While Casemiro’s scoring contribution reinforced his value to Manchester United, the unwanted record highlights the fine margins in elite football, where even a game-winning performance can coincide with historic missteps. United’s ability to withstand Chelsea’s pressure after the dismissals and secure three points reflects the squad’s depth and tactical flexibility under pressure.