It ended 1-1 at Stamford Bridge between Manchester United and Chelsea with goals from Jadon Sancho and Jorginho. Jorginho’s mistake in the 50th minute gifted Sancho his first Premier League goal.
Chelsea’s number five replied back with a goal from the penalty spot after Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s clumsy challenge gave referee Anthony Taylor a decision to make.
Michael Carrick’s tactical intelligence
From a Manchester United perspective, Michael Carrick must be given some credit. United came into the game high on confidence after sealing Champions League last 16 qualification on Tuesday. Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho secured the win and top spot.
Carrick’s team selection raised some eyebrows pre-match, with Cristiano Ronaldo named on the bench. Another gutsy move from the former-Manchester United midfielder. Carrick chose to start without Bruno Fernandes in midweek. Sunday’s line-up also saw a midfield of Fred, McTominay and Matic. All three players put a serious shift in and justified Carrick’s team selection.
Although United failed to get a real foothold of the game, Chelsea didn’t test goalkeeper David De Gea much. Nullifying Chelsea’s attack looked to be the game plan, with Thomas Tuchel’s side top of the Premier League table.
The Reds’ back-four looked fairly comfortable defensively after a shaky opening from Victor Lindelöf and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Jadon Sancho finally unleashed at Manchester United
After a slow start to life for Jadon Sancho at Manchester United, the past week has seen him lift off. For Donny van de Beek’s goal in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s penultimate game as manager against Watford, Sancho was influential.
The winger got himself off the mark with his first goal for the club on Tuesday night against Villareal. After pouncing on a mis-control from Jorginho, Sunday’s draw to Chelsea gave the Englishman his first Premier League goal. United’s number 25 ran half the length of the pitch, before coolly slotting past Edouard Mendy.
With games approaching thick and fast, the Old Trafford faithful will be hoping to see more of the same from their £73m man.
Fred under Ralf Rangnick
Fred has been a player who has divided Manchester United fan’s opinion like no other. This is partly down to the fact that the Brazilian regularly wins the ball back, but also gives it away. In the yellow and green of Brazil, the 28-year-old has enjoyed some of his best games.
With the imminent appointment of interim manager Ralf Rangnick, many believe Fred could really kick on. He was impressive in both games under Michael Carrick. United’s number 17 played as a box-to-box midfielder role, where he has shone.
Ralf Rangnick’s ‘Gegenpress’ is suited to players of Fred’s quality. These are players who get around the pitch, press well and are on the ball more in the final third. United fans will be hoping to see more performances like the one at Stamford Bridge from Fred.
Nemanja Matic still has a crucial role to play at Manchester United
Something that has been said a lot is that Manchester United need to find a way to keep Matic fresh. As was Fred and Scott McTominay, Matic was excellent in midfield. The 33-year-old drove through Chelsea’s centre and regularly fed high quality drilled passes to United’s forward line. Matic’s line-breaking passes allowed the likes of Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford to test the Chelsea back-line.
With a busy festive period ahead for United, Matic’s minutes must be managed by the coaching staff. There is no doubt the Serbian still has lots to offer to the Reds.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s spot in the Manchester United starting line-up
Since his £50m arrival from Crystal Palace in 2019, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has had a mixed time at Old Trafford. This season, it looks like the right-back has regressed, with complacency kicking into his game. Wan-Bissaka’s competition at right-back, Diogo Dalot, has failed to take his opportunities when given.
United’s number 29 is becoming a real thorn in the side. The Englishman’s lack of awareness regularly sees United concede chances, as well as a handful of goals last season.
Going forward, Wan-Bissaka looks a player disinterested in driving, often taking the safe option of going backwards or inside. His limited ability on the ball is starting to become an issue for the Reds.
The right-back spot is one that will give Ralf Rangnick something to think about. With the German fancying a possession-based game, Diogo Dalot could be give more opportunities.
Another idea that Rangnick may have is to recall 20-year-old flying full-back, Ethan Laird. Laird, who is currently on loan at Swansea City has three assists in the Championship this season.
