A Stunning Goal Ruined Van Nistelrooy's Celebration. Chelsea Denied Man United a Win

The teams drew 1-1.

Manchester's red side awaited their new head coach, Ruben Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag. The Portuguese manager is set to take over on November 11, while Manchester United is temporarily led by the legendary Ruud van Nistelrooy. In his debut game, the Red Devils crushed Leicester 5-2 in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals.

On November 3, a more extensive test awaited them. In the 10th round of the Premier League, United faced Chelsea at Old Trafford. Despite being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle (0-2), Enzo Maresca's side has shown good form. Heading into the match, United sat 13th in the table, while the Blues held sixth.

Chelsea’s attacks looked more threatening in the first 20 minutes, especially during a corner. Palmer’s near-post cross was met by Madueke, whose close-range header struck the post, though his teammate Wesley Fofana also got in the way.

United then had a couple of minor scares for Chelsea. Bruno Fernandes failed to convert a rebound after Sánchez deflected Rashford's cross. At the same time, Chelsea's keeper calmly saved Garnacho's shot on target. The game seemed headed for a goalless first half until Rashford nearly broke the deadlock with a volley that hit the crossbar just before the whistle.

The first dangerous chance of the second half came in the 55th minute when Pedro Neto aimed for the far corner, narrowly missing. Midway through the half, United launched a strong attack, and Bruno Fernandes set up Garnacho with a clear chance. Still, the Argentine's shot went straight to Sánchez.

Then came the long-awaited goal. Sánchez tripped Højlund, conceding a penalty. Fernandes won the duel with the Spanish keeper, briefly delighting Old Trafford. But Chelsea quickly responded. A Palmer corner found a Manchester United defender. Still, the ball dropped to Moisés Caicedo, who volleyed it into the near corner — a brilliant goal.

United came closest to winning in the dying minutes when Garnacho's volley for the far top corner narrowly missed, flying just over the bar. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Chelsea denied Manchester United victory as interim manager in Ruud van Nistelrooy's Premier League debut.

Published by Patrick Jane
04.11.2024