The 19-year-old was handed his first Premier League start of the campaign in today's lunchtime kick-off and produced an impressive display.

He twice had the ball in the back of the net – only to be denied by the assistant referee and VAR – registered six shots, the joint-most by a Chelsea player in a top-flight game this season, and created three chances.

Those inside Stamford Bridge gave Estevao a standing ovation when he was replaced by Malo Gusto in the closing minutes. Before he took his seat in the dugout, Estevao and Alonso shared a warm embrace. He was then congratulated by the Blues coaching staff and his team-mates.

And after the victory, Alonso explained he had outlined to Estevao after last weekend's game against Tottenham Hotspur, and before our midweek Carabao Cup trip to Liverpool, that he had earmarked the Brazil international to start against United.

‘We knew earlier this week – you ask me but sometimes I can’t give you all the info,' Alonso said with a smile. 'We spoke after Tottenham and he knew he was going to be playing today.

'He had the best response and showed that he deserves more and that he was prepared, and that is what we want from our players. So we're very happy for him.

He deserves to enjoy this game; he had a good connection with the crowd and was really close to scoring his goal. He fought really hard and at the end he was tired, but it has been a good day for him.’

With Joao Pedro sidelined due to a thigh injury, Alonso has had to tweak his frontline in our last three outings. He opted for Pedro Neto to lead his attack against United, with Estevao, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers in support.

It was Rogers who broke the deadlock with a fine solo run. Palmer later converted a penalty after Lisandro Martinez had been sent off for a foul on Wesley Fofana.

‘I assess different situations, from what we were going to do against Liverpool, and what we were going to do [against Manchester United],' explained Alonso. 'I had an idea [that Estevao would start], and I had it clear that he could have a good impact today, and he has shown it.

'He was a threat, he created many chances and situations where we could score. He has shown it well today.'

The Blues return home after the international break to take on our old rivals, Leeds United. Secure your place early with Club Chelsea. VIP tickets available now.