Moises Caicedo’s strike denied Manchester United victory of their first Premier League recreation since sacking Erik ten Hag as Chelsea claimed a 1-1 draw at Outdated Trafford on Sunday.
Interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will likely be changed by Ruben Amorim later his month, sprinted down the touchline in celebration after Bruno Fernandes put United in entrance from the penalty spot 20 minutes from time.
Caicedo rapidly replied for the Blues, who edge above Arsenal on objective distinction into fourth place within the desk.
Some extent leaves United nonetheless down in thirteenth, six factors off the highest 4.
The Pink Devils’ return of simply 12 factors from 10 video games is United’s worst begin to a league marketing campaign since 1986-87.
Amorim was not in attendance as he prepares to take cost of Sporting Lisbon for the one of many remaining occasions in opposition to Manchester Metropolis within the Champions League on Tuesday.
United have been way more aggressive than in 3-0 demolitions by Liverpool and Tottenham at residence this season, however confirmed lots of the similar flaws that price Ten Hag his job.
Van Nistelrooy loved a 5-2 demolition of an under-strength Leicester in his first match in cost to achieve the League Cup quarter-finals in midweek.
Nonetheless a hero among the many United followers from his days as a prolific striker, the Dutchman’s identify was chanted in a buoyant pre-match environment.
Nonetheless, a Chelsea facet which have misplaced as soon as in 9 Premier League video games, supplied a a lot stiffer check for a United facet nonetheless brief on confidence.
Either side hit the woodwork in a disappointing first 45 minutes as Noni Madueke hit the submit from a nook earlier than Marcus Rashford clipped the bar with a cushioned volley within the final motion of the half.
Pedro Neto’s burst of tempo practically gave Chelsea a dream begin to the second interval however the Portuguese winger’s shot flew simply previous the far submit.
Nonetheless, the Blues stay overly reliant on Cole Palmer for inspiration.
The boyhood United fan, who started his profession at Manchester Metropolis earlier than becoming a member of Chelsea final yr, was saved quiet by Van Nistelrooy’s pairing of Casemiro alongside Manuel Ugarte in midfield.
‘Outcomes will come’
Earlier than kick-off solely Southampton had scored fewer than United’s eight Premier League targets in 9 video games this season.
The dearth of effectivity in entrance of objective that Ten Hag usually bemoaned was in proof once more.
“Over the past video games we performed we misplaced some factors the place we did not convert our probabilities,” mentioned Van Nistelrooy, who is ready to take cost of two extra video games.
“Whenever you create rather a lot, all via the season thus far, I am not too anxious the gamers will get in a move with outcomes and confidence rising. Outcomes will come.”
Alejandro Garnacho wasted an excellent likelihood to open the scoring from Fernandes’ cut-back with a tame effort that looped into the arms of Robert Sanchez.
United have been gifted the prospect to interrupt the impasse when Sanchez clipped Rasmus Hojlund contained in the field.
Fernandes saved his cool to ship the Spanish worldwide goalkeeper the incorrect method and spark wild celebrations from Van Nistelrooy.
United’s pleasure was short-lived as Chelsea hit again inside 4 minutes.
A nook was solely cleared to the sting of the field, the place Caicedo related a candy strike to fireplace into the underside nook.
Caicedo price a British switch file £115 million ($149 million) when he joined Chelsea simply over a yr in the past and is starting to ship on that funding after a troublesome first season.
“Since we arrived Moi is doing incredible,” mentioned Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.
“The issue with Moi is as a result of the membership paid huge cash, individuals count on them to be one of the best. It’s regular to be a bit up and down. We are attempting to enhance him and he’s exhibiting how good he’s.”
Chelsea ought to have struck once more moments later when substitute Enzo Fernandez spooned over with Andre Onana stranded.
Nevertheless it was United who got here closest in a frantic finale when Garnacho’s acrobatic effort flew simply over.
