Casemiro’s looping stoppage-time header gave Manchester United a deserved point in a dramatic final against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Jorginho’s late penalty gave Chelsea a narrow win when he sent goalkeeper David De Gea the wrong way from the spot after substitutes Scott McTominay and Armando Bruja tangled in a corner three minutes from time.
Defeat would have been tough for United, but they were rewarded for their performance when Casemiro met Luke Shaw’s cross six minutes into stoppage time, Chelsea keeper Capa Arrizabalaga got a fingertip but he cleared the ball over the line. Failed to stop. Back off the inside of the post.
United had the better chances to dominate the first half with Cristiano Ronaldo left out of the squad as a disciplinary measure after refusing to come on as a substitute in the win over Tottenham.
Erik ten Hague’s side were well up and far more dangerous, with Kepa saving well from Marcus Rashford and Anthony, the latter also missing a great chance when cleared.
The second half was close and ended with that silly finish, but the biggest worry for United now is an injury to defender Raphael Varane, who left the pitch in tears as he clearly missed his World Cup with France. Afraid of the possibilities.
Disappointment for Chelsea and Potter
Chelsea manager Graham Potter must have thought he was on his way to a second victory against United this season when Jorginho calmly slotted home late on.
Potter, who won with Brighton at Old Trafford on the opening weekend, was also on hand to see his side secure a sixth successive clean sheet in all competitions until Casemiro’s intervention.
However, in reality, Chelsea would have been lucky to win. Indeed, they were so far behind in the first half that Potter was forced to make a tactical change after just 36 minutes to bolster his struggling midfield, with Mateo Kovacic coming on for Mark Cukorella.
Chelsea were grateful for goalkeeper Capa this period but improved after the break – although they still couldn’t force De Gea to do anything serious, an anxious moment for the visitors when Trevo Chalobah’s header glanced over the bar.
The hosts could ultimately muster just two shots on target in a game that failed to live up to its billing – but there will be real disappointment that they could not seal the win after taking the lead so late on.
Potter was at least able to maintain his unbeaten record as Chelsea manager but that could have been much more satisfying.
Man Utd Boss Ten Hag Can Be Satisfied.
Ten Hague will be happy with a point after coming close to leaving with nothing. When the dust settles, however, he’ll know it was a missed opportunity.
Rashford and Antony each should have done better when cleared and it looked like they would pay for their mischief before Casemiro’s stunning first goal for the club.
Ten Hague must have been sorely disappointed at McTominay’s clash with Bruja to concede the penalty and it was no surprise that the Scotland midfielder hugged Casemiro in utter relief at the end.
The United manager has made a marked improvement in the team, who now press more effectively and play with more intensity.
He has also dealt firmly and firmly with Ronaldo’s disdain, leaving him out of the squad here to send a clear message that only one man will make the decisions at Old Trafford.
However, United will be worried about Virane, who went down with a muscle injury on his way to challenge Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
