Alejandro Garnacho wasteful once again as Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui show Ruben Amorim what they can offer in defence

In the recent clash between Manchester United and Chelsea, player performances varied widely. Here’s a summary of the key ratings:

Manchester United

  • Alejandro Garnacho: 5/10
    Garnacho struggled with his decision-making, missing key opportunities and failing to make a significant impact in the final third.
  • Marcus Rashford: 6/10
    Showed flashes of creativity but lacked consistency, often being crowded out by Chelsea’s defense.
  • Bruno Fernandes: 7/10
    A solid performance as a playmaker, contributing with assists and maintaining control in midfield.
  • Defensive Unit: 6/10
    Generally organized, but vulnerable at times, especially during set pieces.

Chelsea

  • Matthijs de Ligt: 8/10
    Commanding in defense, de Ligt was pivotal in shutting down United’s attacking threats and showcased strong aerial ability.
  • Noussair Mazraoui: 7/10
    Effective both defensively and in supporting the attack, Mazraoui’s performance highlighted his versatility.
  • Enzo Fernandez: 7/10
    Solid in midfield, providing both defensive cover and creative passes to launch attacks.

Overall, Chelsea’s defense, led by de Ligt and Mazraoui, was a standout, effectively neutralizing United’s forward options, while Garnacho’s wastefulness proved costly for Manchester United.

The Argentina international passed up a handful of good chances to score in a game which never caught fire while the Red Devils’ backline impressed

Ruud van Nistelrooy was left cursing the wasteful finishing of Alejandro Garnacho as Manchester United drew 1-1 with Chelsea in the the first Premier League game of the Dutchman’s interim spell. The Argentine had four attempts on goal and missed a real sitter with the game goalless.

Marcus Rashford hammered the bar in the first half after Noni Madueke had hit the post, but United found the breakthrough when Rasmus Hojlund was felled by Robert Sanchez. Bruno Fernandes, channelling Van Nistelrooy, buried the resulting penalty in the 70th minute. The hosts’ joy lasted just four minutes, though, as Moises Caicedo – a United target before he joined Brighton in 2021 – levelled with a gorgeous volley.

Van Nistelrooy’s first game in temporary charge against Leicester was a feast of goals, but here he showcased his ability to organise a defence, with his compatriot Matthjis de Ligt shackling Cole Palmer and Noussair Mazraoui producing an all-action display.

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