Chelsea vs Manchester United Summary
A strong defensive performance from both sides as United and Chelsea drew at the Bridge. One key save from each goalkeeper and a controversial penalty decision for United were the main events of the match. Each side had at least one counter attack where the poor quality of the pass killed the attack and denied both sides a crucial three points. While Chelsea set up in a back five to give depth defensively and width in attack, United kept their 4-2-3-1 and pressed high to push Chelsea back and counter in transition. United keep their second place position and move a point ahead of an injury-hit Leicester side while Chelsea are still out of the top four.
United now return to London and face Crystal Palace tonight while Chelsea face Liverpool in a heated battle for Top Four.
Chelsea vs Manchester United Player Ratings
Edouard Mendy 8/10
One strong save to deny McTominay but gave away a lot of possession.
Cesar Azpilicueta 7/10
Struggled with Rashford and Shaw for a while but overall solid.
Andreas Christensen 7.5/10
Not many problems but is passive at times when defending.
Antonio Rudiger 8/10
Some great runs and excellent switches of play. Best of the back five.
Callum Hudson-Odoi 8/10
Lively first half and some decent crosses. Will be a star.
N’golo Kante 6/10
Gave away possession a lot but did recover it too. Not his best game.
Matteo Kovacic 7.5/10
Better than his midfield partner. Energetic and sharp passing.
Ben Chilwell 7/10
Some good runs in attack but struggled at points in defence.
Mason Mount 8.5/10
Best in blue. I don’t understand how anyone can criticise him as he works his socks off. Got in dangerous positions mostly by himself.
Hakim Ziyech 4/10
Did not get into the game and really struggled despite lots of space. A poor game bar one moment which forced a great save from De Gea.
Olivier Giroud 5/10
Made some good runs but was marshalled well for the most-part. Should have scored late in the first half.
Substitutes:
Reece James 7.5/10
Some brilliant balls into the box but susceptible in defence.
Christian Pulisic 6.5/10
Couple of decent runs but nothing of note.
Timo Werner 6.5/10
Took up good positions hut his confidence is shot as he never tried to take on the United defence.
Thomas Tuchel 6/10
Pragmatic as I expected. He will be the more happy of the managers. Made subs to try and stretch the United defence but it didn’t work. Cannot fathom why he wouldn’t start Werner or Pulisic.
David de Gea 8/10
Brilliant stop to deny Ziyech. One sloppy moment but it led to nothing. A strong performance and his fifth clean sheet in seven matches against the Big Six.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7/10
Solid defensively but couldn’t really get involved in the attack regularly. Smart cutback to McTominay.
Victor Lindelof 8.5/10
Made two strong interceptions and would have been the MOTM had he not let Giroud free for one chance late in the first half.
Harry Maguire 9/10
Dominant, composed and controlled the United defence. Won everything and played with confidence and intent in his passing.
Luke Shaw 8.5/10
Strong defensively and made great runs in attack. Fashioned the biggest chance for United with a smart overlap.
Scott McTominay 7/10
Great defensively but had two chances to get United ahead with the counter and the shot. The shot he could not do much else but the counter, the ball has to be better. Admittedly it would have been difficult but he could have done it.
Fred 7/10
Had a few chances in attack and narrowly missed the target on his weak foot. Broke up attacks well and didn’t really get pressed in possession.
Bruno Fernandes 5/10
Struggled. Energy was faultless but couldn’t get into the game.
Daniel James 7.5/10
Energy and drive in both attack and defence. Crucial squad player without any doubt.
Marcus Rashford 7.5/10
Worked hard and created chances. Decent attempt with the freekick.
Mason Greenwood 8/10
Hold up play was good as was his energy. Good linkup with James and hit a great effort just too high. Playing better as a number 9.
Substitute:
Anthony Martial 6/10
Didn’t really get into the game. Gave away the ball at times. Can’t explain what is happening to him.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 8/10
Set up to press Chelsea man for man in a positive performance. Will be happy defensively but a shame his side couldn’t take the few chances they had. Robbed of a penalty. Not sure subs wise what else he could do but I thought Greenwood deserved to stay on.
