Carlos Tevez broke the deadlock in the first-half's additional time before Louis Saha ensured the victory from the spot one minute from time.

Chelsea played the majority of the game with 10 men after Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel was handed a straight red card for a rash challenge on Patrice Evra.

United moved into second spot in the Premiership table with 14 points, three ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea, who are likely to struggle following Mourinho's departure.

The Portuguese manager left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent and was replaced by Israeli manager Grant.

United were the dominant force throughout the match despite creating few clear-cut chances.

Wayne Rooney had the first chance for the Red Devils after two minutes when he cut inside Tal Ben Haim before curling a right-footed shot that was finger-tipped by Chelsea keeper Petr Cech.

In the 30th minute, Rooney's cross from the right found Ryan Giggs inside the area and the Welsh winger tried to loft the ball over Cech but his effort went over the crossbar.

United were ahead just before the break when Giggs sent a superb cross with the outside of his left foot to Argentina's Tevez, who dived before Cech to head home at the near post.

Substitute Saha sealed the victory one minute before the final whistle when he converted a penalty for a foul on him by Ben Haim.