The weekend’s most anticipated encounter produced a surprising result as Manchester United successfully held league-leaders Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. This season’s first Chelsea vs Manchester United encounter began with expectations of succumbing to the home side’s rampant form. However, a disciplined defensive performance saw the Red Devils keep the Blues at bay for most of the game. The draw sees United clinch only their fifth point in eight league games.

An unlikely error by Jorginho at the halfway line culminated into a 2v1 against Edouard Mendy, with Jadon Sancho producing a sublime finish to give the visitors the lead in the second half. Subsequently, an untimely tackle by Aaron Wan-Bissaka resulted in a penalty for the Blues as Jorginho comfortably tucked in the spot-kick to equalise.

Both teams produced several chances following the equaliser, but the visitors ensured they remained indomitable, eventually securing a crucial point from the Chelsea vs Manchester United game. Let’s have a look at how each United player fared at Stamford Bridge.

David De Gea (GK) – 8/10

After his brilliant display against Villarreal, David de Gea was, once again, at the heart of United’s defence on Sunday. Following a couple of brilliant close-up saves in the opening minutes, De Gea remained focused throughout the game, playing a vital part in helping out his backline and vice versa.

Having put in a solid performance against Chelsea on Sunday, the Spaniard is unlikely to be displaced anytime soon as the club prepare for a new beginning under Ralf Rangnick this week.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6/10

Besides conceding the penalty, the right-back displayed an overall solid defensive performance. Tasked with containing an energetic pair of left-sided Chelsea attackers, Wan-Bissaka succeeded at diluting their impact and contributed heavily to United’s surprisingly organized backline. Hoping to build on his recent performances, the right-back will be keen on making an impression under the team’s new incoming manager.

Victor Lindelof – 7/10

Amongst those expected to be severely tested by Chelsea’s dynamic frontline, Lindelof’s attributes shone through as he produced an emphatic defensive performance. The Swedish centre-back’s organization combined with his positional sense played a vital role in containing the balls delivered into the box, whilst he also emerged as a pivotal figure in covering the attacking space in and around the penalty box. Having displayed a string of resounding performances, Lindelof is likely to retain his place against Arsenal on Thursday.

Eric Bailly – 7/10

Otherwise renowned for his erratic displays, Bailly’s presence provided a sense of intimidation and composure to the team’s defensive line at Stamford Bridge. Paired alongside Lindelof, the duo produced a reassuringly synchronised performance as they successfully complemented each other throughout the Chelsea vs Manchester United game.

Having been reduced to a squad role this season, it remains to be seen if the Ivorian is rewarded for his recent performances in the coming games, especially with Ralf Ragnick coming in as the interim manager.

Alex Telles – 6/10

Starting his first Premier League game of the campaign, Telles delivered a significant performance, containing an in-from Reece James throughout the ninety minutes. Although the Brazilian was restricted to a limited role, the left-back excellently linked up with Bailly to dilute the threat offered by Chelsea’s wing-play on Sunday. With Luke Shaw doubtful for the fixture against Arsenal, Telles is likely to retain his place in the starting line-up.

Nemanja Matic – 7/10

An eyebrow-raising inclusion to the starting line-up, the Serbian’s contribution proved to be instrumental for the team securing a draw. Although caught lacking for pace on certain occasions, Matic remained pivotal in maintaining the team shape whilst keeping possession and contributing to the build-up play when necessary. A critical component of United’s midfield structure at Stamford Bridge, it remains to be seen if the Serbian witnesses an increase in game-time over the remainder of the campaign.

Scott McTominay – 6/10

After beguilingly retaining his place in the starting line-up against Chelsea, McTominay produced a comparatively improved performance to his substandard display against Villarreal. The Scotsman’s physical presence combined with his energy proved fruitful for the visitors in breaking-up Chelsea’s quickness in transition.

However, having shown only negligible improvement over the course of the season, it remains to be seen if McTominay can retain his place in the starting XI under the new manager and perform to his potential.

Fred – 7/10

Quick to break-up play and decent in possession, the Brazilian displayed a vastly improved performance in comparison to his recent outings. In addition to executing his defensive role, Fred’s performance displayed his ability to win back the ball in the opposition’s half and deliver it to the creative players. Expected to play a major role under the new manager, provided he finds consistency, Fred is likely to emerge as a pivotal part of United’s first-team line-up over the remainder of the campaign.

Jadon Sancho – 7/10

Jadon Sancho ended his week on a high as the winger registered his second consecutive goal for the Red Devils on Sunday. After his sensational performance against Villarreal, Sancho’s contribution proved vital against Chelsea as he offered the required balance between the two opposites on the right flank. Unlikely to be dropped following a string of exciting performances, Sancho is expected to be a pivotal part of the new manager’s plans.

Bruno Fernandes – 6/10

Deployed as a central attacker in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, the midfielder’s work rate provided a platform for the visitors to remain organised in midfield for large parts of the Chelsea vs Manchester United game.

Although the Portuguese international was effectively contained by the Chelsea defenders for most of the ninety minutes, his leadership skills proved vital for the visitors as they were successful in securing a point at Stamford Bridge.

Marcus Rashford – 4/10

Slotted back into the starting XI after being dropped against Villarreal, Rashford’s impact remained unnoticed as he failed to display a reassuring performance against Chelsea. Although a threat in possession, the forward’s questionable decisions combined with his poor off-the-ball work rate contributed to the hosts’ goal-scoring opportunities. Currently failing to warrant a place in the first team, it remains to be seen if the Englishman succeeds in improving his game under Rangnick’s tutelage.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 6/10

The surprise exclusion of the evening, Ronaldo’s substitute appearance made a negligible difference as the Blues maintained a vast chunk of possession in the final quarter of the Chelsea vs Manchester United game.

With the new interim manager, Ralf Ragnick, likely to adopt a high-pressing approach, it remains to be seen if the 36-year-old forward remains a regular feature in the starting line-up over the remainder of the campaign.

Jesse Lingard – 6/10

Reduced to a squad role despite his match-winning contributions at the beginning of the campaign, Lingard is likely to see reduced game-time as things stand. Although unable to have much of an impact on the game, the Englishman executed his role diligently. Provided Rangnick takes to the midfielder’s boisterous willingness, Lingard could potentially witness new dawn at United.

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Donny Van De Beek – 6/10

Introduced in the dying minutes of the game, the Dutchman drew several fouls whilst successfully regaining possession multiple times during his small cameo appearance. Understood to flourish under Rangnick’s core principles, Van de Beek is the likeliest of United’s squad players to witness a significant increase in game-time over the remainder of the campaign.

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