Manchester United’s new-manager bounce fell flat as they shared the points in a stale 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford that confirmed their worst-ever start to a Premier League season.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, United’s interim boss until Ruben Amorim arrives on November 11, was unable to help his side replicate their free-scoring performance from Wednesday’s 5-2 Carabao Cup win over a weakened Leicester.
Chelsea, now without victory at Old Trafford in the league on their last 12 visits, were the better side for most of the game but allowed United to get in front through Bruno Fernandes’ second-half penalty after Rasmus Hojlund was brought down by Robert Sanchez.
Stunned into action, Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo, the best player on the pitch in a game sorely lacking quality, clapped back four minutes later with a sweetly-struck volley that beat Andre Onana through the legs of Mykhailo Murdyk.
Lisandro Martinez rode his luck in the closing stages with a knee-high challenge on Cole Palmer, which was reviewed by the Video Assistant referee, but deemed not worthy of a sending off, contrary to the opinion of Gary Neville. “Martinez is lucky. I think it is a red.”
The visitors always felt more likely winners but failed to put United away. Noni Madueke headed onto a post early in the first half from close range, although, if the ball had gone in it likely would have been pulled back for a push in the back on Casemiro.
Marcus Rashford closed the first half by striking the frame of the goal on the volley after a pass from Fernandes, who along with Alejandro Garnacho spurned decent chances late in the second half.
Perhaps the most perplexing aspect of the game was Chelsea’s sloppiness against a United side they are far better than on the evidence of this season. The point does, however, take them above title-chasing Arsenal on goal difference after the Gunners’ defeat at Newcastle.
Van Nistelrooy, limited in his options because of injury, only made one change from Erik ten Hag’s last game before his sacking and, unsurprisingly, the outcome was more of the same from a side that remain 13th in the table, with three wins from their opening 10 games.
Keane: Amorim should’ve signed a longer deal
Sky Sports’ Roy Keane:
“Ruben Amorim should have signed a longer contract. There is a long way back for this team.
“This is an average Manchester United team. All the stats back that up. They are hit and miss – you never know which team will turn up. Not good.
“‘Boring’ seems a bit strong. But they lack conviction. It’s really disappointing. It’s so flat.
“This team is way off getting back in the top four.
“You look at certain individuals and they think they’re better than they are. United are average at everything. There is nothing special about them. It was very quiet at Old Trafford. I was glad when the referee blew the final whistle.”
