Chelsea battled back as visitors to manage a 1-1 draw against Manchester United to deny the hosts three successive Old Trafford league wins over the Blues for the first time since 1957.
Off the back of their disappointing EFL Cup exit at Newcastle, Chelsea sought a response in the league against a United side unbeaten in their last 11 home clashes with the Blues. Both sides traded chances in a cagey opening period as Noni Madueke hit the post for Chelsea, while United’s Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Højlund each tested Chelsea keeper Robert Sánchez.
As half-time approached, Marcus Rashford rattled the crossbar, sealing an action-packed close to the half. After the restart, Pedro Neto came inches from breaking the deadlock for Chelsea, curling an effort just wide. With an hour gone, it did seem this was going to be a draw between the two sides which were evenly matched.
United took the lead with Casemiro’s long pass ending up with a penalty as Sánchez clipped Højlund in the box. Bruno Fernandes slotted it home with ice-cold calm as United scored first, but Chelsea replied in a short while. A strong volley by Moisés Caicedo following a half-cleared corner restored parity.
Neither was able to break the deadlock with late chances, as substitute Enzo Fernández was denied a crucial opportunity before United’s Garnacho sent a last-minute effort over. Chelsea now jump over Arsenal into fourth place, while United sit in 13th and look forward to new boss Rúben Amorim’s arrival after the international break.
