Chelsea managed to salvage a 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday, dampening United’s celebrations in their first Premier League match since manager Erik ten Hag was fired. Moises Caicedo’s blazing second-half goal negated a penalty from Bruno Fernandes.
Man United Struggles Continue
After 10 games, United, who were led by interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, are in 13th place with 12 points, while Chelsea is in fourth place with 18 points.
The dressing room was filled with disappointment. Fernandes stated We had a chance to win the game.
Managerial Change at Old Trafford
It is not good for anyone at the club when the manager leaves, and we are aware that Erik has left. He is the one who bears the cost of the team’s poor performance and results.
Since the team isn’t performing well, you have to shoulder some of the responsibility whenever a manager leaves.
Penalty Drama and Equalizer
Rasmus Hojlund was diving for the ball when Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez caught his foot, and the United captain scored from the penalty spot in the 70th minute. A jubilant Van Nistelrooy leapt in the air in celebration after Fernandes misdirected Sanchez.
The mood at Old Trafford quickly changed four minutes later when Caicedo fired a low volley that Andre Onana barely got a hand on but was unable to stop sailing into the bottom corner after Casemiro failed to clear Chelsea’s corner fully. For a brief moment, United appeared to be on course for their second league victory in six games.
Caicedo’s Post-Match Reaction
It was an opportunity to score a goal. I succeeded. “I am happy,” Caicedo said to BBC Sport.
We were aware that things would become complicated if we waited a long time to equalise. Equalisation makes me very happy.
We earned the victory. We were ready for the game, even though we knew it would be not easy. I’m happy for the group. It was a fantastic battle.
Ten Hag’s Departure and Man United’s Attacking Woes
With United struggling in 14th place in the Premier League, Ten Hag was fired on Monday. His replacement, Ruben Amorim, was announced on Friday and is scheduled to join the team on November 11.
Ten Hag would frequently complain about United’s lack of goals only Crystal Palace and the dreary Southampton have fewer than United’s nine and Sunday was no exception.
Late Drama and Missed Chances
In extra time, Alejandro Garnacho came close to ending the draw with a long shot that went just over the crossbar, and Fernandes missed a sitter seconds later with a shot from the middle of the box that went well over the net.
Everyone knows how much I wanted the goal to come, Fernandes stated. I have to provide goals and assists to the team. It’s been among the season’s most disappointing things.
The Old Trafford crowd groaned as Garnacho worked the ball down the left before hitting Joshua Zirkzee with a cross that bounced off a Chelsea defender and over the net just before the final whistle.
First-Half Highlights and VAR Drama
A game that will not be remembered as a classic began with a back-and-forth first half in which both teams hit the woodwork. Early in the match, Noni Madueke of Chelsea headed into the post from close range after Cole Palmer’s corner.
In the final play before halftime, Marcus Rashford came close to scoring a spectacular goal when Fernandes chipped the ball over Chelsea defender Reece James, but Rashford’s side-footed volley struck the crossbar.
There were some heated moments of pushing and shoving after United defender Lisandro Martinez caught Palmer’s foot, but a VAR review determined it was a reckless challenge rather than serious foul play, and thus did not warrant a red card.
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