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According to a report by The Chelsea Chronicle on Monday, November 2, 2026, Chelsea winger Estevão has strengthened his position in the team after delivering an impressive performance in the club’s victory over Manchester United on Saturday.
The Brazilian youngster had been waiting for an opportunity to make his first Premier League start, and he took full advantage when the chance finally arrived. Operating from the right flank, Estevão caused Manchester United's defence serious problems, particularly for Diogo Dalot, who struggled to contain his pace, movement and attacking threat.
The 19-year-old appeared to have capped his performance with two goals, but both efforts were disallowed for offside. While the first decision was relatively straightforward, the second was much closer. VAR reportedly established that the Brazilian was marginally beyond the final defender before producing an excellent finish into the top corner.
Before the encounter, questions had been raised about Estevão's limited involvement in Chelsea's matches. Reports suggested that the youngster was becoming frustrated with being deployed in unfamiliar positions instead of playing in his preferred role. His situation attracted further attention after Jamie O'Hara advised him to consider leaving the club following his omission from the Carabao Cup match against Liverpool.
However, Chelsea are reportedly no longer considering the possibility of allowing him to leave during the January transfer window. According to Spanish newspaper AS, the club's hierarchy are instead discussing a substantial salary increase to reward his patience, recognise his development and demonstrate their confidence in his long-term future.
Chelsea made adjustments to their attacking arrangement against Manchester United because João Pedro was unavailable. Pedro Neto operated across the forward positions, while Estevão was given the opportunity to play on the right wing, where he demonstrated his effectiveness.
Although he was replaced in the 87th minute, the decision appeared to be tactical rather than performance-related. With Chelsea comfortably ahead, Xabi Alonso embraced the youngster in front of the Stamford Bridge supporters, publicly demonstrating his support.
The gesture was particularly significant given the previous concerns surrounding Estevão's playing time.
Following his impressive display, Alonso now faces increased pressure to include the Brazilian in Chelsea's starting lineup for their upcoming trip to Sunderland.