Ruud van Nistelrooy was unable to mark his first match as a Premier League manager with a win.
Manchester United were unable to repeat their five-goal heroics from Ruud van Nistelrooy‘s first game in charge as they drew 1-1 with Chelsea.
It was a fairly sleepy performance from the Red Devils, who only broke the deadlock when Rasmus Hojlund earned a penalty which was calmly converted by captain Bruno Fernandes.
However, United’s lead was short-lived as former transfer target Moises Caicedo drew Chelsea level just four minutes later.
The point gained from the draw means United remain 13th in the Premier League table and six points behind Chelsea in fourth place.
Five Man United players standout vs Chelsea
Van Nistelrooy has two games remaining as United’s interim manager before handing over control to new head coach Ruben Amorim.
The 39-year-old is set to take charge on November 11th after United chiefs agreed a deal with Sporting Lisbon.
There is no doubt that Ruben Amorim will have been keeping a close eye on United’s performance on Sunday, and there was a mixed bag of displays.
United fans criticised Alejandro Garnacho for his wasteful display, while Noussair Mazraoui has been named Player of the Match after impressing.
After the full-time whistle, Van Nistelrooy highlighted five players who impressed him during the match.
Speaking on Sky Sports Premier League [7:12pm, November 3rd], he said: “I have to say from the back, centre, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs De Ligt did a great job.
“I think Noussair Mazraoui had an excellent game and Casemiro is doing a great job. Bruno took the responsibility. He was involved in all the attacks. I don’t think anyone really missed out today.”
Ruben Amorim can revive Man United’s season
It has been a hugely underwhelming start to the season for United, yet they are still just six points off the top four which are crucial for Champions League qualification.
A top-four finish would be the best-case scenario for Amorim as he takes the reins mid-season, but United are just about keeping within touching distance under Van Nistelrooy.
Amorim’s tactics will freshen things up at Old Trafford but will require patience from fans as he gets things back on track.
United showed on Sunday that they can go toe-to-toe with one of the most in-form teams in the Premier League, and under Amorim the squad can expect to get an injection of new energy and motivation.
There’s a long way to go, and Amorim can put United back in the picture.
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