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Palmer 1 of 3 Chelsea subs in 20 mins after early red at Man United

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Maresca dismisses sympathy for Sterling and Disasi at Chelsea (1:13)

Enzo Maresca defends Chelsea's treatment of Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi. (1:13)

Cole Palmer was one of three Chelsea substitutions after just 20 minutes following a nightmare start to their Premier League game against Manchester United on Saturday.

Chelsea went to Old Trafford looking to add to Ruben Amorim's struggles but were down to 10 men after five minutes after a wild last-man challenge from goalkeeper Robert Sánchez on Bryan Mbeumo.

Manager Enzo Maresca immediately looked to his subs bench, bringing on goalkeeper Filip Jørgensen for Estêvão and Tosin Adarabioyo for Pedro Neto during the same stoppage of play.

After going a goal down thanks to a strike from United captain Bruno Fernandes, Chelsea made another sub -- this time a surprise one with Palmer withdrawn for Andre Santos.

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While Palmer appeared to be carrying a knock, he looked far from happy heading off and his withdrawal was met with ironic cheers from the United crowd.

He appeared to greet United sub Kobbie Mainoo before heading towards the tunnel.

Palmer, 23, was starting his first league game since August after injury.

Things quickly went from bad to worse for Maresca and Chelsea, as Casemiro added a second goal to put United two goals up after 37 minutes.

The Brazilian was then sent off on the stroke of half time to change the complexions of the tie yet again and give Chelsea hope.

The London side were able to reduce the deficit through Trevoh Chalobah and continued to threaten in search of an unlikely equaliser, but in the end United were able to hold on to all three points and a much needed win for Amorim.