
A surprising result, to say the least, as Michael Carrick’s Manchester United successfully held league-leaders Chelsea to a 1-1 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Although the Red Devils displayed an improved performance in comparison to recent outings, the Blues remained dominant for large parts of Sunday’s Chelsea vs Manchester United game. However, Tuchel’s men failed to find the winning goal against a calculative United side.
It's the big one on Sunday!
Chelsea vs Manchester United 🔵🔴#chelsea #utd #CheUtd #smsports #CFC #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/B3g7XByGO6— Deepansh (@deepanshdesign) November 25, 2021
Emblematic of their recent displays, the visitors failed to make the most out of their golden opportunities. The sam, however, applied to the Blues, who felt the absence of key players in the game. While the Red Devils await a new beginning under Ralf Rangnick, here are four things we learned from last weekend’s Chelsea vs Manchester United game at Stamford Bridge.
Bailly & Lindelof: A Solid Partnership
Although many exclaimed their skepticisms vis-à-vis the partnership leading into the fixture, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof held their own as they produced an emphatic defensive performance on Sunday. In the absence of Harry Maguire, the duo seldom looked out of place as they provided adequate balance and composure in the backline.

Bailly’s physical attributes combined with Lindelof’s reading of the game and technical ability bode well for the visitors’ defensive organization; playing a vital role in securing a crucial point at Stamford Bridge. Having displayed a considerably well-rounded performance compared to Maguire’s inexcusable mistakes, both, Bailly and Lindelof will be looking to cement their place in the starting line-up under the new manager.
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United need creativity in the midfield
While the trio of Nemanja Matic, Fred, and Scott McTominay executed their defensive duties diligently, the partnership visibly lacked support and creativity in the attacking third. Matic remained a conductor throughout the game while the likes of Fred and McTominay were given the license to contribute to the build-up play when necessary.

Although Fred found himself on the end of two goal-scoring opportunities, the Brazilian’s indecisiveness impeded United’s chances of extending their lead. McTominay, on the other hand, failed to gain control of the midfield and remained a passenger for most of the game, aside from breaking-up the play in phases and clearing out the ball on corners.
With Rangnick expected to have his work cut-out in resolving the team’s midfield, it remains to be seen which amongst United’s limited range of midfielders get the nod ahead, over the coming weeks. Provided the German employs an expansive approach, the team is likely to witness major changes in the engine room over the remainder of the campaign.
Jadon Sancho is kicking-on
Following his first goal for the club against Villarreal, Sancho delivered the icing on the cake as he registered his first league goal on Sunday. The winger’s work rate combined with his ability to attract defenders proved vital in United securing the result against Chelsea.

Having gradually improved his performance since his cameo against Watford, Sancho is likely to fulfil his potential under the incoming manager. Expected to further contribute to United’s re-evaluated ambitions for the season, the youngster will be hoping to cement his spot in the starting line-up over the coming weeks.
The irreplaceable David De Gea
Arguably, the most vital piece of United’s starting line-up, the Spaniard, once again, came to the rescue of his team when called upon. A string of saves in the opening minutes of the game emerged as a standpoint as United remained compact and organized for the remainder of the game.

While the Spaniard has faced a fair share of criticism over the past year, his performances in the ongoing campaign have been pivotal to United’s standings across all competitions. Likely to develop into a well-rounded keeper under Rangnick, it remains to be seen if the Spaniard significantly develops his game and continues remaining a vital part of the first team line-up over the remainder of the campaign.
What are your observations from last Sunday’s Chelsea vs Manchester United game? Share in the comments given below.