Winning ugly is 'beautiful' – Lammens

Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens applauds the visiting fans after the 1-0 win at Chelsea [Getty Images]

Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens loved the feeling of victory at Chelsea on Saturday night.

Despite having less possession, far fewer shots, only one of them on target, an expected goals (xG) of 0.29 compared to Chelsea's 1.55 and just 10 touches in the opposition box, United secured only their third win at Stamford Bridge since 2002 thanks to Matheus Cunha's first-half goal.

It went down well with the 3,000 travelling fans, who celebrated enthusiastically at the final whistle, their glee contrasting sharply with the disappointment of former United winger Alejandro Garnacho, who was ineffective after being introduced as a substitute in the first-half.

"It's very special," said Lammens. "You can feel the support, especially in the first half when you're playing in front of them.

"We had to fight for it. It wasn't the prettiest. But that's sometimes the most beautiful thing, when you deserve a hard-fought win and celebrate with the supporters as well."

The result was more notable because United went into the game with only one recognised central defender, 19-year-old England youth international Ayden Heaven, who was partnered by , who is normally a full-back.