Moises Caicedo’s first-time volley denied Manchester United interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy a second win of his tenure and sent Chelsea fourth in the Premier League with a draw at Old Trafford.
The most expensive signing in English top-flight history fired in the 74th-minute equaliser when Casemiro’s header dropped to the midfielder inside the penalty area.
Bruno Fernandes had put United ahead from the penalty spot four minutes earlier, capitalising on a rash challenge by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez on Rasmus Hojlund.
Noni Madueke hit the woodwork for Chelsea and Marcus Rashford followed suit for the hosts during the first half of a game that kept United 13th, six points shy of the top six.
“It’s like watching a game in COVID. There’s no crowd, there’s no atmosphere” 🤐
Jamie Redknapp says there is no energy at Old Trafford 🪫 pic.twitter.com/nZGJeYCZaZ
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 3, 2024
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Amorim sees United salvage draw
Two days after Ruben Amorim’s appointment as United’s next permanent manager was confirmed, Van Nistelrooy’s reaction when Fernandes struck was comparable with his celebrations during the Dutchman’s time as the club’s top scorer.
Van Nistelrooy oversaw a 5-2 win over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday following Erik ten Hag’s sacking on Monday, but there was to be no second win at Old Trafford in five days.
United’s performance was little more inspired than their 2-1 defeat at West Ham in Ten Hag’s final game seven days earlier, and they might have fallen behind when Madueke nodded against the near post from a corner.
OFF THE BAR
Marcus Rashford comes closest to scoring just before half-time! 🤏 pic.twitter.com/rkHyY1rPrL
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 3, 2024
Manchester United vs Chelsea
Rashford lashed a shot against the crossbar later in the first half and Fernandes was gifted his goal when Sanchez rushed out in an attempt to deal with an angled pass from Casemiro inside his penalty area, hauling down Hojlund with both hands.
Brittle United had kept one clean sheet in their preceding nine games and Chelsea drew level when Caicedo’s shot rolled through team-mate Mykhailo Mudryk’s legs and found a corner of the net.
Fernandes and Garnacho both sent strikes over the crossbar late on, Van Nistelrooy showing his emotions as his side pushed for a winner in a forgettable contest.
Man United fixtures
Both of the former PSV manager’s remaining games in charge are at home, against PAOK in the Europa League on Thursday (8pm GMT) and Leicester City in the Premier League next Sunday (2pm).
Chelsea host Noah in the Conference League on Thursday (8pm) and Arsenal in the Premier League three days later (4.30pm).
