Moises Caicedo‘s goal prevented Manchester United from securing a win in their first Premier League game since Erik ten Hag‘s exit. Chelsea earned a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy celebrated on the touchline after Bruno Fernandes scored a penalty, 20 minutes before the end. Caicedo then equalized for Chelsea, moving them above Arsenal into fourth place based on goal difference.
Manchester United remain 13th in the table, six points away from the top four. Their 12 points in 10 games mark their worst league start since the 1986/87 season. Ruben Amorim, who will take over from van Nistelrooy later this month, was not present as he is preparing for a Champions League match with Sporting Lisbon against Manchester City.
Despite a better performance compared to heavy home defeats by Liverpool and Tottenham, United still showed issues that led to Ten Hag’s dismissal. Van Nistelrooy previously led United to a 5-2 win over Leicester to reach the League Cup quarter-finals.
Chelsea, having lost just once in nine Premier League games, posed a tougher challenge for a United side lacking in confidence. In a tepid first half, both teams hit the woodwork with attempts from Noni Madueke and Marcus Rashford.
Chelsea’s Pedro Neto nearly scored early in the second half, but his shot missed the post. Cole Palmer, a pivotal player for Chelsea, was kept in check by United’s midfield duo Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.
Van Nistelrooy acknowledged the ongoing struggle with goal-scoring, saying, “Over the last games we played we lost some points where we didn’t convert our chances. When you create a lot, all through the season so far, I’m not too worried the players will get in a flow with results and confidence growing. Results will come.”
Alejandro Garnacho missed a key chance for United, while Fernandes scored from the penalty after a foul on Rasmus Hojlund. Caicedo’s quick reply came from a clearance off a corner, scoring from the edge of the box.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised Caicedo, stating, “Since we arrived Moi is doing fantastic. The problem with Moi is because the club paid big money, people expect them to be the best. It is normal to be a bit up and down. We are trying to improve him and he is showing how good he is.”
Chelsea could have added another when Enzo Fernandez missed a close chance. United came close to a late winner with Garnacho’s acrobatic attempt, but it went over.