Cautious Man Utd frustrate leaders Chelsea in draw

Premier League leaders Chelsea were left frustrated as Manchester United’s conservative game plan earned them a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

With Cristiano Ronaldo benched, United redefined the idea of caution in the first half, taking 21 minutes to touch the ball in the final third and 44 minutes to have a touch in Chelsea’s box, but the hosts struggled to break them down.

Callum Hudson-Odoi saw an effort well saved by David de Gea, and later in the half the goalkeeper tipped Antonio Rudiger’s long-range shot onto the crossbar, but United stunned Chelsea to take the lead moments after half-time as Jadon Sancho feasted on Jorginho’s mistake to run through on goal unopposed and finish (50) for his first Premier League goal.

But Jorginho had a chance to redeem himself as Aaron Wan-Bissaka kicked the back of Thiago Silva’s leg in the box, allowing the Italian to score from the spot for 1-1 (69).

Chelsea huffed and puffed but could not find a winner – Rudiger blazed over the bar in the 97th minute unmarked at the far post – meaning Michael Carrick remains unbeaten in what could be his final match in charge with the imminent arrival of Ralf Rangnick as interim manager. Man Utd are eighth, while Chelsea stay top, now just a point ahead of Man City.

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