LONDON, Feb 19 (AP): Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba each scored first-half goals as Manchester United defeated Chelsea 2-0 on Monday at Stamford Bridge to advance to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.
United, which has lost just once in interim manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's 13 games in charge, has reached the quarterfinals of the competition for the fifth consecutive season.
A rematch of last year's final won by Chelsea, Herrera put United ahead in the 31st minute and Pogba came through just before halftime to double the lead.
United had not played since losing 2-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the opening leg of the Champions League round of 16 last week - a defeat that ended Solskjaer's unbeaten start.
The game took an odd twist late as Chelsea fans fed up with manager Maurizio Sarri joined their United counterparts in chanting for his firing.
Sarri, who replaced Antonio Conte in the summer, went unbeaten over his first 18 games in all competitions but has won just six of 12 games since January 01.
A change of manager has had the desired effect for United, which appointed Solskjaer after firing Jose Mourinho on December 18.
Sarri selected a predictable lineup and Chelsea began well, but United grew into the game and always looked dangerous.
Chris Smalling might have put United in front after nine minutes, but Kepa Arrizabalaga saved the weak header before Chelsea's best stretch of the game.
Manchester Utd defeat Chelsea, advance to FA Cup quarterfinals
FE Team | Published: February 19, 2019 21:58:59
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