MANCHESTER: Chelsea drew 1-1 at Old Trafford, as Moises Caicedo’s goal kept Manchester United from winning their first Premier League match since sacking Erik ten Hag.
After Bruno Fernandes gave United the lead with a penalty kick 20 minutes from the end, interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will be replaced by Ruben Amorim later this month, ran down the touchline in joy.
Caicedo promptly responded on behalf of the Blues, who moves up to fourth place on goal differential from Arsenal.
A point leaves United still down in 13th, six points off the top four.
Although United had many of the same shortcomings that cost Ten Hag his job, they were significantly more competitive than in their 3-0 home losses to Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur this season.
For a United team still lacking confidence, Chelsea, who have lost only once in nine Premier League games, presented a far more difficult test.
Noni Madueke came closest to opening the scoring for Chelsea in the first-half when he headed Cole Palmer’s corner off the post.
United struggled to establish themselves as an offensive force, but they were unlucky not to take the lead right before halftime.
Marcus Rashford’s cushioned volley struck the crossbar in the final action of a first half that was dismal for both teams.
Chelsea almost had a dream start to the second half thanks to Pedro Neto’s quick burst of pace, but the Portuguese winger’s shot missed the far post.
Palmer continues to be an excessive source of inspiration for the Blues.
Van Nistelrooy’s midfield combo of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte silenced the boyhood United supporter.
Ten Hag frequently lamented the lack of effectiveness in front of goal, and this time it was evident.
With a weak effort that looped into Sanchez’s arms, Garnacho squandered a fantastic opportunity to open the scoring from Fernandes’ cut-back.
Rasmus Hojlund was clipped inside the box by Robert Sanchez, giving United the opportunity to end the standoff.
Fernandes maintained his composure to send the Spanish international goalkeeper reeling and cause Van Nistelrooy to celebrate wildly.
Chelsea’s response within four minutes cut short United’s happiness.
Only a corner was cleared to the box’s edge, where Caicedo fired into the bottom corner with a superb strike.
Moments later, Chelsea should have scored again when Andre Onana was left alone after substitute Enzo Fernandez spooned over.
In a wild finish, United came closest as Garnacho’s acrobatic attempt almost missed.
Earlier on Sunday, Tottenham overcame a deficit to defeat Aston Villa 4-1 and snap the visitors’ seven-game league winning streak thanks to two goals from Dominic Solanke in the second half and an incredible free kick from James Maddison.
With 16 points, Spurs moved up to seventh place in the standings, two points behind Villa, who remained in fifth place.
Morgan Rogers gave Unai Emery’s Villa the lead at halftime, but Brennan Johnson’s tap-in at the far post shortly after the interval tied the score for Spurs.
“We are disappointed, frustrated but we are accepting it,” Emery told Sky Sports. “We know our way, it is 38 matches, the league is very tight.”
