Caicedo cancels Fernandes' strike as Chelsea hold Man United at Old Trafford

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes celebrates csoring against Chelsea during their Premier League clash at Old Trafford in Manchester, on November 3, 2024. (Photo: Man United/Twitter) 

In an emotionally charged match at Old Trafford on Sunday, November 3, Chelsea came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Manchester United in their first Premier League game since Erik ten Hag was sacked.

While United's Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty in the 70th minute, a stunning strike from Chelsea's Moisés Caicedo just minutes later ensured the points were shared on Sunday.

The match marked a significant moment for United, who have had a troubling start to the season. They are currently sitting 13th in the league with 12 points after 10 matches.

Interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy took charge for this encounter, as the team adjusted to the recent managerial change—Ruben Amorim was named as Ten Hag's successor and will officially join the club on November 11.

The action came alive in the second half when Fernandes was awarded a penalty after Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez inadvertently caught Rasmus Højlund’s foot while diving for the ball. Fernandes coolly converted the spot-kick, sending Sánchez the wrong way, and prompting a jubilant reaction from Van Nistelrooy.

However, the celebration was short-lived. Just four minutes later, Chelsea capitalized on a defensive error when Casemiro failed to clear a corner fully. Caicedo seized the opportunity, firing a low volley that keeper André Onana managed to touch, but not enough to prevent it from finding the bottom corner of the net.

Throughout the match, both teams struggled to find their scoring touch. Despite this, United had chances to snatch the win, including a near miss from Alejandro Garnacho late in the game, whose long-range effort went just over the bar. Fernandes also had a golden opportunity just seconds later, shooting high from close range.

The first half presented a series of near misses, with both sides hitting the woodwork. Chelsea's Noni Madueke had an early chance denied when his header from a Cole Palmer corner struck the post. Just before halftime, Marcus Rashford almost found the back of the net with a volley that bounced off the crossbar after a clever assist from Fernandes.

The match also saw moments of tension, particularly when United defender Lisandro Martínez made contact with Palmer’s foot, resulting in a push and shove between players. After a VAR review, the incident did not warrant a red card.

With a new manager soon to lead them, United hopes for a fresh start in the weeks to come.