Manchester United held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, as Ruud van Nistelrooy’s new-manager comeback fell hollow.

United struggled to put up a display for new manager Ruben Amorim, who comes on November 11, as they now sit 13th in the Premier League table.

Old Trafford was full of vigor and enthusiasm before the game, but that faded thanks to another poor performance from their players. 

Noni Madueke had the greatest initial chance, but his header bounced off the post from three yards out, and Levi Colwill missed the rebound.

Apart from a few stunning touches from Cole Palmer, the first half lacked energy and quality.

Marcus Rashford came agonisingly close to putting United ahead on the stroke of half-time, but his volley hit the angle of the post and bar.

However, after some dreadful play from both teams, Bruno Fernandes’ 70th-minute penalty put the home team ahead.

But the penalty, awarded after goalie Robert Sanchez clipped Rasmus Hojlund’s foot for the foul, forced Chelsea to react.

Just four minutes later, Moises Caicedo scored with a superb controlled volley, leaving Chelsea without a win at Old Trafford in their last 12 visits.

Lisandro Martinez rode his luck in the final stages with a knee-high attack on Palmer, which was reviewed by VAR but not deemed worthy of a red card.

SunSport’s Martin Blackburn rated all Manchester United players…

Andre Onana – 5

Will be unhappy not to stop Caicedo’s equaliser.

Casemiro almost got into trouble with a poor early pass.

Key interception to prevent Neto sneaking in on goal late on, and sought to support Garnacho wherever possible.

Matthijs de Ligt – 6

Good early block to deny Palmer.

Jackson’s late lapse under duress almost proved costly.

Soccer player sporting a red jersey that says Snapdragon on it.Matthijs De Ligt played a full 90.

Lisandro Martinez – 6

Lucky not to receive a penalty for a clumsy challenge on Colwill, and fortunate to avoid a red card for an x-rated late tackle on Palmer.

Poor tackle on Pedro Neto resulted in a merited booking, and he had a real tussle with his international teammate.

Casemiro – 7

Made a difference with a fantastic ball to Hojlund in the buildup to the penalty, although he could have had more space on Moises Caicedo’s clearing header.

Manuel Ugarte, a Uruguayan soccer player wearing number 18, made a rugby tackle on Palmer, but has shown indications of settling in following a significant summer transfer. 

Alejandro Garnacho – 6

Always a menace, but missed some golden opportunities.

After excellent work by Fernandes, I shot straight at Sanchez and missed another attempt.

Bruno Fernandes – 8

He set up United’s finest two chances for Rashford and Garnacho before keeping his composure to strike from the penalty spot.

Alamy Live News. 2YF6HH2 Manchester, England, November 3, 2024. Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United celebrates scoring the first penalty during the Premier League match at Old Trafford in Manchester. Picture credits should read: Andrew Yates / Sportimage. This is an Alamy Live News image that may not be included in your current Alamy deal. If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to inquire.Bruno Fernandes believed he had won it.

Marcus Rashford – 6.

On the stroke of halftime, he hit the angle with a volley, but Sanchez stopped another effort.

Better from the England man. 

Rasmus Hojlund – 6

He didn’t touch the ball in the Chelsea area for the first half, but when he did, he won the penalty.

a Manchester United vs. Chelsea match statistics poster

 Amad Diallo (73′ for Rashford).

A few beautiful details, but not much impact.

Joshua Zirkzee (’84, Hojlund)

A few beautiful details, but not much impact.

Victor Lindelof (’84 for Ugarte) was tasked with maintaining tightness and succeeded.