Facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge is a daunting task for any Manchester United manager. Before this match, only Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had tasted victory there in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. For Michael Carrick, securing a result was paramount; style points were a secondary concern.

And secure it they did. Despite Chelsea hitting the woodwork three times and posing a consistent threat, it was Carrick's resilient United side that found the decisive moment to claim a massive three points.

The victory was made all the more impressive by a defensive crisis. Carrick knew he would be without Matthijs de Ligt (injury), Lisandro Martinez, and Harry Maguire (both suspension). Then, a late training injury ruled out a fourth center-back, Leny Yoro.

This forced a last-minute, untested partnership of Noussair Mazraoui and 19-year-old Ayden Heaven, who had only walk-throughs to prepare. "I love when you see players thrive in those moments," Carrick said post-match.

Heaven, who hadn't started under Carrick, was thrust into one of football's most intense environments. "To come into that environment is not something you can take for granted," Carrick noted, praising the teenager's composure. "We tell young players to always be ready, and he was prepared. He took it in his stride magnificently well."

The young defender's performance was a masterclass in cool-headedness. If Heaven felt any pressure on that grand stage, he certainly didn't show it, embodying the mentality needed to succeed at the highest level.