A quintessential Premier League match. That is how one would describe the return of the Premier League where Manchester United travelled to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea. The game ended 2-2 all on the day, but it had a lot of plots and sub-plots behind it. For United, it would have been like a sucker punch as they were moments away from stopping Chelsea’s unbeaten run. They conceded a late-late equaliser as Ross Barkley slotted the ball home from close quarters.
The game was of two different halves for United as in the first, they looked flustered and lacked ideas. But Mourinho managed to inspire his men to put in a big shift in the second 45 where they took the lead after trailing. In the end, one has to say a fair result as both of the teams put on a decent show. This is how United players fared in the game.
David De Gea 7
Was sharp and made a good save from Kante’s long-range effort. Can’t fault him for the two goals which the team conceded.
Ashley Young 6
Picked up a yellow as he was finding hard to contain Hazard. Much assured performance defensively in the second half.
Chris Smalling 7
A reliable performance from the Englishman and showed why he is the first choice starter for Mourinho. Kept things tight and was solid overall.
Victor Lindelof 7
The Swede has been on the firing line quite often, but Lindelof also picked his game up for the big day. Made some excellent last-ditch defensive tackles.
Luke Shaw 7
The resurgence of the Englishman’s career in United colours continues as it was another solid display from Shaw. Did well while going forward, and kept Willian under check.
Nemanja Matic 5.5
Was guilty of committing too many fouls and gave the ball away cheaply. Was alright overall but can improve.
Paul Pogba 6
Guilty of not marking Rudiger from a corner through which the Blues took the lead. However, he turned it on in the second half and bossed the midfield with his driving runs. Mourinho would want more of that second half Pogba.
Juan Mata 7
Played his heart out and his brilliant run down the right resulted in the second goal. Isn’t usually seen doing the nitty gritty job in midfield but he did his defensive duties as well.
Marcus Rashford 6.5
Assisted the second goal by picking out Martial brilliantly. Made some good threatening runs down the right.
Anthony Martial 8
Mourinho was seen clapping at one moment for the Frenchman while he was chasing the ball and that clearly sums up his performance. His two goals certainly brought the Red Devils into the game. The first one was a good instinctive finish from close quarters. The second, he set it up brilliantly on his right to slot it past Kepa.
Romelu Lukaku 5.5
Too static at times and missed a decent aerial chance in the first half. Can’t fault him for the shift he put in in the second half.
Substitutes
Ander Herrera 6
Made a good run in the box which Kepa had to be alert for. Did well after coming on as a substitute.
Alexis Sanchez N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Andreas Pereira N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
