Manchester United and Chelsea played out a draw at Old Trafford, marking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Premier League debut as Manchester United’s interim manager. Van Nistelrooy, appointed just a week prior following Erik Ten Hag’s departure, oversaw a closely contested Premier League clash with limited goal-scoring opportunities.
Chelsea came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half when Noni Madueke struck the woodwork. United’s best moment arrived just before halftime, with Marcus Rashford rattling the crossbar.
The match came alive in the 68th minute when Rasmus Højlund, on his first touch inside Chelsea’s box, was brought down by the Blues’ goalkeeper. Bruno Fernandes converted the resulting penalty, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and giving United a 1-0 lead.
However, Chelsea’s response was quick. Just five minutes later, Moises Caicedo leveled the score with a rocket strike from outside the box.
Manchester United had two late opportunities to reclaim the lead, but Alejandro Garnacho’s attempt narrowly missed, and Fernandes’ shot flew into the stands.
The draw extended United’s unbeaten home record against Chelsea, a streak that stretches back to 2013. Chelsea’s point lifts them into the Premier League’s top four on goal difference, with 18 points and a +8 goal differential.
Meanwhile, United remain at the wrong end of the league table 13th place with 12 points and a -3 goal difference. They now turn their attention to the Europa League, where they will face Greek champions PAOK at Old Trafford, desperate for a win to keeps their hopes alive of an automatic qualification to the round of 16.
By: Ibidunni Doyinsola
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