Chelsea vs Manchester United Summary
Manchester United left Chelsea frustrated and came away from Stamford Bridge with a much-needed point. Jadon Sancho got his first Premier League goal after a huge mistake from Jorginho. The Chelsea midfielder made up for his mistake and got Chelsea level from the penalty spot, after Aaron Wan-Bissaka brought down Thiago Silva in the box.
United began the game with much more intensity and tried to press Chelsea at every opportunity. But, the Blues grew into the game and began dictating proceedings. David de Gea made two smart saves to deny Callum Hudson-Odoi and Antonio Rudiger in the first half. The London-club had more possession, more shots and were more threatening than the Reds. Red Devils temporary manager Michael Carrick set up his side to primarily play on the break. However, United rarely got forward in the first half and didn’t have a touch in the Chelsea box until the 44th minute.
After the break United took the lead with a bit of luck. Sancho found himself one on one with Mandy and calmly converted to put United in front against the run of play. The Red Devils began stringing more attacks together and could have probably got another goal. The home side did get themselves back into the game after Wan-Bissaka gave away a penalty. Jorginho put it away with ease and Chelsea were level. The Blues had opportunities to grab a winner with the best chance falling to Rudiger with the final kick of the game. With that said United also had a chance to grab a winner late on. Chelsea keeper Mendy gave away possession to Fred, who failed to find a teammate in a three on two situation. Not the greatest of performances but a valuable point against the league leaders.
Chelsea vs Manchester United Player Ratings
David de Gea 7/10
Made two decent saves to earn United a point. Came off his line much quicker and anticipated Chelsea counter attacks. Another impressive outing for United’s number one.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 3/10
Yet another clumsy performance from the 24-year-old. This game really showed the difference in class between Wan-Bissaka and Reece James. Continues to have issues with dealing with crosses at the back post and this was evident with Rudiger’s late chance. Gave away an un-neccesary penalty, but redeemed himself with a block against Werner late on.
Victor Lindelof 7/10
A very professional and disciplined performance from the Swedish international. Had a shaky start against Hudson Odoi but dealt with all the Chelsea crosses expertly. Made some key interceptions and clearances. Could flourish under Ralf Rangnick.
Eric Bailly 7/10
Came into the team for Harry Maguire and was equally as good as his partner. Chelsea bombarded the United box with crosses and Bailly looked as calm as ever. Solid throughout.
Alex Telles 6/10
Parallels to his performance against Villarreal. Had a tough task of keeping Ziyech and James quiet but did well. Didn’t have the chance to show his immense crossing ability due the lack of number nine on the pitch.
Scott McTominay 7/10
Broke up play and made some key interceptions. A much better performance from the Scottish international. Gave away some needless free-kicks, which invited pressure late on.
Nemanja Matic 8/10
Was brought in to bring some much-needed composure on the ball and broke play up effectively. Often carried the ball forward for United and his fancy footwork got him out of some difficult situations. Solid display from the Serbian.
Fred 7/10
Since Solskjaer’s departure Fred has gone back to doing the basic things more effectively. Played a crucial role in United’s high press and made some brilliant recoveries. Should have done better late on when Mendy gave him possession.
Jadon Sancho 8/10
Relatively quiet in the first half, but this was mainly because of United being deep in their own half. Executed his role to perfection and was rewarded for his persistence with a goal. Made no mistakes one on one with Mendy to get his second goal in two games. Came off with what appeared to be a slight muscle injury.
Bruno Fernandes 4/10
Playing in an unfamiliar false nine role, Fernandes failed to impact the game. In a game where United needed to be efficient in possession, the Portuguese international gave away the ball far too much. Although, the Red Devils were playing on the break, Fernandes needs to do more in these games.
Marcus Rashford 6/10
Was very wasteful in the first period and had no impact on the game. During the second half he was much more of a threat and was the man leading United’s counter attacks. Linked up with Sancho well but was rightly substituted.
Subs
Cristiano Ronaldo 5/10
Came on to lead the frontline and provide more of a presence up top. Didn’t really hold the ball up that well and wasn’t suited to the counter attack game-plan. Will probably come into the side for the game against Arsenal.
Jesse Lingard 5/10
Came on during the latter stages of the second half in the hope of providing some much needed energy. Didn’t have the impact Carrick would have wanted. Should have slipped in Donny van de Beek late on.
Donny van de Beek N/A
Didn’t have sufficient time to impact the game.
Manager: Michael Carrick 7/10
Set up the side to avoid defeat. United were much tighter at the back following a shaky start to the game. He would of wanted his side to pose more of a threat on the break, but this would have been seen as a tactical masterclass if United held on. Substitutions were on time, but didn’t have any significant impact. The game plan worked up until around the 60th minute, where Chelsea began taking the game to United. Has brought some much-needed structure to United during a difficult period. Will likely lead out the Reds against Arsenal before making way for Ralph Rangnick.
