MANCHESTER: In Chelsea’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, Moises Caicedo’s goal prevented Manchester United from winning their first Premier League game since sacking Erik ten Hag.
After Bruno Fernandes gave United the lead from the penalty spot 20 minutes into the final period of play, interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will be succeeded by Ruben Amorim later this month, sprinted down the touchline in celebration.
For the Blues, Caicedo promptly provided a response, propelling them into fourth place, one goal ahead of Arsenal.
United is still 13th, six points behind the top four, despite losing a point.
United displayed many of the same flaws that cost Ten Hag his job, despite being far more competitive than in their home 3-0 defeats of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
United faced a much tougher challenge against Chelsea, who have only lost once in nine Premier League games.
When Noni Madueke headed Cole Palmer’s corner off the post in the first half, he came very close to scoring for Chelsea.
United took some time to establish themselves as an offensive force, but they were unlucky not to score just before halftime.
In the final action of a disappointing first 45 minutes from both teams, Marcus Rashford’s cushioned volley hit the crossbar.
Chelsea almost got off to a flying start in the second half thanks to Pedro Neto’s sudden burst of pace, but the Portuguese winger’s shot just missed the far post.
The Blues continue to overrely too much on Palmer for ideas.
Van Nistelrooy’s midfield pairing of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte silenced the former United supporter.
Ten Hag frequently lamented the goalkeeper’s lack of effectiveness was once more evident.
With a timid effort that looped into Sanchez’s hands, Garnacho missed a glorious opportunity to score from Fernandes’ cutback.
Joined were gifted the opportunity to break the halt when Robert Sanchez cut Rasmus Hojlund inside the crate.
Van Nistelrooy’s wild celebrations were sparked by Fernandes’ calm deflection of the Spanish international goalkeeper.
The joy felt by United was short-lived as Chelsea responded in just four minutes.
Only the box’s edge was cleared from a corner, where Caicedo scored with a deft strike that went into the bottom corner.
When Andre Onana was left stranded, substitute Enzo Fernandez spooned over, Chelsea should have scored again moments later.
In a frantic final, United came closest when Garnacho’s acrobatic effort flew just wide.
Earlier on Sunday, Dominic Solanke scored two goals in the second half and a stunning free kick from James Maddison helped Tottenham come from behind to defeat Aston Villa 4-1 and snap the visitors’ seven-match league winning streak.
Prods moved to seventh in the table on 16 places, two focuses behind Estate who remained fifth.
Morgan Rogers gave Unai Emery’s Villa the lead at the half, but Brennan Johnson’s goal at the far post brought Spurs level shortly after.
Emery stated to Sky Sports, “We are accepting it. We are disappointed and frustrated.” We know the way, there are 38 matches, and the league is very competitive.
