THE NOTEBOOK: Man United’s media ban lasts ONLY 24 hours, Cole Palmer dazzles against boyhood club and Jeremy Clarkson makes surprise appearance on MUTV

Manchester United beat Chelsea 2-1 on Wednesday night, with Scott McTominay scoring twice to help Erik ten Hag’s side bounce back from defeat to Newcastle last week.

The Scotland international achieved the first by deflecting the ball before slotting the ball into the back of the net.

Chelsea star Cole Palmer struck back on the stroke of half-time, sending the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal.

However, McTominay scored again to give United victory, even after Bruno Fernandes missed a first-half penalty, heading in Alejandro Garnacho’s far post cross.

Mail Sport’s Joe Bernstein visited Old Trafford and brings you everything you may have missed about the exciting game of football.

The media ban lasts only 24 hours

Manchester United’s media blackout lasted just 24 hours, allowing the Forbidden Four – ESPN, Daily Mirror, Manchester Evening News and Sky Sports – to take their usual press slots at Old Trafford last night.

There were smiles everywhere and even a quip from one returnee: “I had to tunnel my way in” as United were satisfied they had got their point and there would be no point in extending the exclusion.

United banned a quartet of media members from Erik ten Hag’s pre-match press conference on Tuesday as punishment for publishing articles about dissent in the United dressing room, without giving the club a right of reply.

Meeting of two sleeping giants

Once considered the most important match of the season, this Manchester United vs Chelsea match felt like a meeting of two sleeping giants, and with good reason.

They have won 18 of the first 25 Premier League titles, but none are currently in the top five in the table.

The last time neither United nor Chelsea finished a season in the top five was back in 1990/91, before Sir Alex Ferguson’s unprecedented league success or Roman Abramovich’s money. In this case, United finished sixth and Chelsea 11th – could history repeat itself this year?

United barred Sky Sports’ Kave Solhekol (left) and ESPN’s Rob Dawson (right) from attending their press conference ahead of Tuesday’s match against Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Pochettino’s plan to derail United

Chelsea have come up with an updated version of the Spanish Inquisition to temporarily upset United again. The Blues’ last league win at Old Trafford was under Rafa Benitez in 2013 when Juan Mata, who later joined United, scored the only goal.

Fast forward 10 years and their fellow countryman, giant goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, has become another thorn in United’s side.

He responded brilliantly to save Bruno Fernandes’ penalty and made several more early saves before the deadlock was broken. Another brilliant double save from McTominay’s strike was made even more important when Cole Palmer equalized on the stroke of half-time.

Scott McTominay, United’s top scorer

You’d have a good chance of Scott McTominay becoming the first Manchester United player to score four Premier League goals this season.

Thanks to the midfielder for winning the round with Erik ten Hag. His second goal also made him United’s top scorer in all competitions this season.

Cole Palmer is red!

If Cole Palmer’s goal at the Stretford End brought to mind Wayne Rooney, don’t be surprised – the Mancunian grew up a United fan, went to school just a couple of miles from Old Trafford, and Wazza was a player he looked up to.

Palmer’s boyhood Reds connections were picked up by Manchester City fans when he left the Etihad for Chelsea last summer, but they will love the way he scored after rounding Andre Onana on the stroke of half-time, showing balance and quick feet – just like you. you know who.

From Clarkson’s Farm to MUTV

Former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson made a surprise guest appearance on Manchester United’s own MUTV after traveling to Old Trafford to support his club Chelsea.

MUTV were at one time jokingly called “The Truth” due to their biased coverage of the club, so they would have been delighted when Clarkson praised the food at Old Trafford compared to Stamford Bridge – something that belies the overall threat that represented by the Glazers. United in the ground.

“The restaurant here is much better. Whoever runs the restaurant at Stamford Bridge needs a spanking,” he grinned. As luck would have it, his current series, Clarkson Farm, airs on Amazon Prime, which also broadcast all midweek Premier League matches.