Casemiro’s late header secured a draw for Manchester United against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Despite United’s dominance, Jorginho put the hosts in front late on from the penalty spot. However, the Reds left it late to equalise in stoppage time and continue their impressive form against the top six sides.
Chelsea vs Manchester United Match Summary
Erik ten Hag made one change to the side, which beat Spurs in midweek, with Christian Eriksen coming in for Fred. The Red Devils began the game brightly and were in full control of the contest. Luke Shaw had the first real chance of the game with his powerful effort whistling just wide of the target.
Chelsea offered no threat whatsoever in the first period and were fortunate to be on level terms at the break. Marcus Rashford saw two of his efforts saved by Kepa and Antony saw his effort miss the target.
Second Half
Graham Potter’s men did improve in the second half and this was due to a tactical change. Ten Hag also made a tactical change with Fred coming on for Jadon Sancho, who had an extremely poor game. With five minutes of the game remaining Chelsea were awarded a penalty as McTominay was adjudged to have impeded Broja in the box.
Despite United protests, the penalty was given. Penalty- expert Jorginho stepped up and sent David de Gea the wrong way to make it 1-0 to Chelsea. However, United applied some late pressure and were rewarded with their equaliser.
Luke Shaw’s pinpoint cross found Casemiro, who found the back of the net with a towering header. The ball went inches over the line and following the referees signal the United players and fans were sent into raptures. The final whistle went and the Red Devils will be wondering how they didn’t walk away with all three points with yet another impressive performance.
Chelsea vs Manchester United Player Ratings
David de Gea 6/10
A stark contrast from his evening at Stamford Bridge last season. Had nothing to deal with in the first half and was rarely tested in the second.
Diogo Dalot 7/10
Expertly, dealt with Chilwell and Cucurella in the first half. Showed great defensive awareness and made some brilliant runs to progress the ball forward with intensity. Another great display against a top six side.
Raphael Varane 8/10
Made numerous crucial interceptions and clearances to deny Aubameyang. Looks to have formed a great partnership with fellow defender Lisandro Martinez. Left the pitch in tears with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.
Lisandro Martinez 8/10
Perhaps the first name on the team sheet at the moment. Makes aggressive interceptions and is composed on the ball. His header to set up Antony’s chance in the first half epitomised his performance. Desire, aggression and composure from the Argentine.
Luke Shaw 8/10
Made a marauding run in the first half and saw his effort just go wide of the target. Had much more of an impact in the final third, while remaining solid defensively. Grabbed an assist late on with a delightful cross.
Casemiro 9/10
Positive and progressive when he had the ball at his feet. Disciplined and composed when defending. United’s best player in the first half and still impactful in the second period. Grabbed the all-important equaliser with a brilliant header. A man of the match display from the Brazilian.
Christian Eriksen 7/10
Many were surprised to see him recalled to the starting lineup, however his first half display justified ten Hag’s decision. Tidy in possession and kept the ball ticking. Slightly less effective, when Chelsea changed their system.
Bruno Fernandes 7/10
Was at his creative best when operating in his typical central role. Was unlucky to not have two assists to his name with Rashford and Antony both missing great opportunities. Due to Chelsea change in system and Sancho’s poor performance he was moved to the left where he had less of an impact.
Antony 6/10
Was lively and tested Kepa with his trademark curling effort. Involved in everything that United did in the first half but missed a golden opportunity at a crucial point in the match. Needs to work on his weaker right foot.
Jadon Sancho 3/10
Only started due to a lack of alternatives and is likely to drop out of the team when Martial returns. Like the match against Spurs, he didn’t have any real impact on the game. Other than one half decent shot in the first half he had an extremely poor game. Taken off just four-minutes after the restart.
Marcus Rashford 6/10
A threat throughout, but just not as effective when playing as a number nine. Didn’t hit his first opportunity with any real conviction before firing a brilliant effort minutes later on. His work rate and movement off the ball was against his best attribute.
Subs
Fred 5/10
Didn’t have the effect the manager wanted, who clearly voiced his frustration with the player.
Victor Lindelof 6/10
Came on for Varane and defended well.
Scott McTominay 3/10
Gave away a penalty in the dying stages of the game.
Anthony Elanga 6/10
Added some energy as United looked for an equaliser and caused Chelsea problems on two occasions.
Manager: Erik ten Hag 7/10
Set up his side perfectly and on another occasion the game would have been decided by halftime. He can’t be faulted for his attackers missing key chances at an important stage in the game. Fred had to come on to nullify Chelsea, however it also limited Fernandes’ creative output.
