Caicedo earns Chelsea draw
Manchester United 1 - 1 Chelsea
Moises Caicedo’s precise volley secured Chelsea a well-earned point against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
United’s interim manager, Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is filling in as the club awaits the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim, looked on course for a second straight win when Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 70th minute, following a foul on Rasmus Hojlund by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Van Nistelrooy celebrated wildly on the touchline, but United’s joy was short-lived, lasting only four minutes before Caicedo fired a superb shot past Andre Onana from the edge of the box.
The result was a share of the points from an otherwise low-key encounter. Wesley Fofana rattled the woodwork with a first-half header, while Marcus Rashford also struck the angle of post and bar with a volley before the break.
A closer look at Manchester United's performance
Van Nistelrooy has managed to draw plenty of effort from his players while he fills the role until Amorim arrives to replace the departed Erik ten Hag, but he was unable to inspire much genuine quality.
Defensively, United held their ground against Chelsea’s threat, but a lack of creativity and sharpness ultimately meant they couldn’t secure the win.
Rashford’s volley was their best chance until Sanchez clumsily challenged Hojlund, who seemed to be moving away from goal after losing control.
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Young striker Hojlund had a quiet game overall, while Alejandro Garnacho seemed to epitomise United’s performance. The Argentine worked tirelessly, yet his finishing lacked precision—particularly in the second half when he scuffed a straightforward chance from Fernandes’ pass, shooting weakly into Sanchez’s hands at the Stretford End.
Van Nistelrooy is clearly relishing his time in charge, and his celebration after United’s goal was something to behold: leaping and sprinting along the touchline before pumping his fists at the delighted fans.
His show of passion was in stark contrast to the usually composed Ten Hag, and the United legend’s presence earned wide approval from the Old Trafford faithful.
While United will be disappointed to have lost their lead so swiftly, there’s a sense around the club that they’re in a holding pattern until Amorim’s new era begins after the international break.
