Soccer:Jonny Evans has backed referee Mark Clattenburg for sending off Fernando Torres in Manchester United's 3-2 win at nine-man Chelsea in what was a controversial encounter at Stamford Bridge.

After the Blues had overturned a two-goal deficit, they were reduced to nine men when first Branislav Ivanovic was dismissed before Torres received a second yellow card for diving following Evans’ challenge.

The decision prompted angry exchanges between managers Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Di Matteo before Javier Hernandez scored the winner for the visitors. Asked whether there was any contact between himself and Torres, Evans told Sky Sports 1: “At the time I didn’t feel like I’d made contact but I’ve seen it again and there was a bit of contact.

“I didn’t feel like it was enough to bring him down. He probably realised he wasn’t getting the ball and I think the referee’s made the right decision in sending him off.”

A David Luiz own goal and Robin van Persie’s ninth strike of the season had put United firmly on top but Chelsea showed their courage to equalise through Juan Mata and Ramires. However, the dismissals changed the face of the game and Hernandez scored the decisive goal in the 75th minute to end United’s 10-year wait for a win at Stamford Bridge.

“I think that’s probably the hardest game we’ve had this season, especially towards the end of the first half,” Evans added. “Chelsea really came at us and put the pressure on us and it was tough. We were probably lucky to see it out 2-1 at half-time.

“You’ve got to show character in games like this. We came out for the second half and you’ve got to stand up coming here to Stamford Bridge. It’s a tough game, we knew we were going to be under pressure and they get the equaliser and the sendings off in-between that but we managed to finish it off in the end.”

If Chelsea were feeling hard done by with the two dismissals, Chelsea were dealt another blow as replays showed Hernandez was in an offside position before scoring. We don’t care. We win. We have the three points, that’s the only thing on my mind,” the Mexican said. “For some people it will be be very controversial and for other people it won’t. We’re very happy because we get the three points.”