Picture Courtesy -- Stretty News
As United prepares to face Chelsea with Ruud at the helm, we review four legendary triumphs at Stamford Bridge that demonstrate the Reds' perseverance and grandeur
Manchester United’s Sunday visit to Stamford Bridge is more than another match. Ruud van Nistelrooy takes over as temporary manager after Erik ten Hag’s two-and-a-half-year term ended with the team in 14th position. Van Nistelrooy, a former United striker and fan favourite, faces a difficult task. United’s new co-owners, INEOS, at first backed Ten Hag with a contract extension until 2026, but their backing faded as performances plummeted.
So, can Van Nistelrooy steady the ship and restore United’s fortunes? As the Dutchman enters the dugout, fans want to witness a return to winning ways. United is now 14th in the Premier League, with only three wins in nine games. They sorely need a spark. Their opponent, Chelsea, is in fifth place and seems like a different beast this season. A win here might boost United’s morale and the squad’s confidence under new management.
Ruud Van Nistelrooy will take temporary charge of the club he played 219 times for across five seasons, Manchester United have announced..
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 28, 2024
This is less than four months since he was brought back to Old Trafford by Erik ten Hag as an assistant. pic.twitter.com/WFtHH4LIle
Stamford Bridge has been both a battleground and a source of pride for United across the years. Despite Chelsea’s reputation as a fortress, the Reds have frequently emerged victorious. Let’s return in time and enjoy four great triumphs in the capital.
Wayne Rooney played hero that night. United entered the 2011 Champions League quarterfinal first leg on the heels of three straight league victories. With confidence high, Sir Alex Ferguson’s team took against Chelsea.
In the 24th minute, Rooney grabbed onto a low cross and calmly tapped it home for a 1-0 victory. The Reds’ defence stayed firm against Chelsea’s unrelenting onslaught, setting the tone for the second leg at Old Trafford, where Javier Hernandez and Ji-Sung Park scored to seal a 2-1 win.
The match between the league’s two titans in October 2012 was a thriller with everything—goals, red cards, and a dramatic finale. Chelsea were undefeated at home and lead the league, but United invaded Stamford Bridge in style. David Luiz’s own goal and Robin van Persie’s strike put the Reds ahead 2-0 after 12 minutes.
However, Chelsea came back to level the score before Fernando Torres and Branislav Ivanovic were sent off inside six minutes. United capitalised, with Javier Hernandez scoring the goal to secure a crucial 3-2 victory.
In February 2019, United headed to Stamford Bridge for an FA Cup fifth-round match under interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. After defeating Arsenal in the previous round, the Reds were hoping to maintain their winning streak.
Solskjaer’s side dealt another crushing blow to a London team, with Ander Herrera’s header opening the scoring. Before halftime, Paul Pogba extended United’s advantage with a brilliantly placed header. Chelsea had no solutions, as United cruised to a 2-0 victory, advancing to the final eight.
Just months after hammering Chelsea 4-0 in their Premier League opening, United returned to Stamford Bridge for a Carabao Cup fourth-round clash. Ole picked a solid team, and it paid handsomely. Marcus Rashford was the hero of the show, scoring a penalty to put United ahead.
Chelsea equalised, but Rashford was not finished yet. His 30-yard free kick, a spectacular goal that dipped and looped into the top corner, sealed a 2-1 victory and left the Blues reeling. For the first time since 1998, United won two consecutive games at Stamford Bridge.