TheCable

Manchester United defeated Chelsea 2-0 in London thanks to goals from Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba to qualify for the sixth round of the FA Cup.

In a replay of last season’s final which Chelsea won 1-0, the Blues of London were outfoxed by a United team which cautiously approached a City-wounded opponent.

Chris Smalling returned to United’s defense while striker Romelu Lukaku was paired with Marcus Rashford upfront.

Unrepentant Chelsea coach, Mauricio Sarri, however, made just one change from their 0-6 shellacking at Man City, Kovacic replacing Barkley in midfield.

It was all Chelsea from the off, the Londoners creating chances in quick succession and working United’s FA Cup goalkeeper, Sergio Romero.

The Argentine shot-stopper saved David Luiz’s free-kick and recovered to clear Pedro’s follow-up.

Next, Gonzalo Higuain had two quick chances, first finding the top of the net from an acute angle while moments later he headed just wide from Azpilicueta’s cross.

Hazard was the early conductor of the Chelsea orchestra, drawing fouls, making lung-bursting runs and creating dangerous situations in the United half, but Chelsea’s newfound defensive switch-offs reared its head on several occasions, and United, taking a cue from their PSG lesson by picking their moments to attack, punished them twice in the half against the run of play.

Pogba, who had been quiet all game, dazed Azpilicueta with a couple of stepovers and delivered the perfect cross beyond onlooking Chelsea defenders Rudiger, Luiz and Alonso for Ander Herrera to head in stealthily at the back post for a 1-0 lead.

Man United last won at Stamford Bridge in 2012, but they put themselves in a good position to win here with the second goal on their next attack.

Pogba released Rashford on the wing and the young English striker bid his time before returning a perfect cross for Pogba who’s header could only be parried into the net by below-par Chelsea ‘keeper, Kepa Arizabalaga.

The second period saw Chelsea huff and puff but could not fashion any real opening as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men continued to keep the Blues at arm’s length, despite Hazard’s best efforts.

The Belgian winger had a shot in the area blocked while Willian’s free-kick went way over the bar. A couple of decisions in United’s favour further incensed an agitated Sarri, while Solskjaer was an epitome of calmness in the opposite dugout.

Man united’s fans sang the remainder of the match away as their team waltzed into the sixth round, while many Chelsea supporters left the stadium early as the defending FA Cup champions were dumped out of football’s oldest club competition.