In their first Premier League game since the sacking of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United were denied a victory as Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo scored a late equalizer, resulting in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, soon to be replaced by Ruben Amorim, initially celebrated with intensity as Bruno Fernandes put United ahead with a penalty 20 minutes from time.
However, Chelsea responded quickly, with Caicedo firing in from the edge of the box to level the score. The goal lifted Chelsea into fourth place, above Arsenal on goal difference, while United remained in 13th, six points behind the top four.
Though Amorim was not present due to his Champions League commitment with Sporting Lisbon against Manchester City on Tuesday, United’s fans showed strong support for Van Nistelrooy, still revered as a former club hero.
The Dutchman had recently led United to a 5-2 win over Leicester in the League Cup, raising hopes among supporters.
Chelsea, who have lost only once in their last nine Premier League matches, posed a strong challenge for United, a team still struggling for consistency.
Chelsea’s Noni Madueke came close in the first half, hitting the post with a header from a Cole Palmer corner, while Marcus Rashford nearly opened the scoring for United before halftime with a volley that hit the crossbar.
Chelsea’s Pedro Neto also threatened early in the second half, but his shot drifted just wide of the post.
Meanwhile, United’s inefficiency in front of goal continued, highlighted by a missed chance from Alejandro Garnacho, whose tame shot was easily saved by Chelsea’s keeper, Robert Sanchez.
United finally broke through when Sanchez fouled Rasmus Hojlund in the box, allowing Fernandes to convert from the penalty spot.
The lead was short-lived, as Caicedo capitalized on a poorly cleared corner, drilling the ball into the bottom corner to equalize for Chelsea.
Both teams had chances to score in the closing moments, with Enzo Fernandez missing an opportunity for Chelsea and Garnacho’s acrobatic effort going just over the bar.
The result leaves both teams with work to do as they push to improve their standing in the league.
