5 things learned as Manchester United score late equaliser against Chelsea in the Premier League

Despite dominating for large parts of the game, Manchester United drew at Stamford Bridge (again) after a moment of utter madness from Scott Mctominay was made up for by Casemiro’s head.

United were by far the dominant side against their top four rivals in the first half, and had strong spells in the second half too.

But with just minutes remaining, Scott Mctominay inexplicably gave away a penalty, which Jorginho dispatched with ease.

But with the game on the line in the final minutes of the game, Casemiro popped up with his first United goal in timely fashion with a wonderfully guided header.

Here are five things UtdDistrict learnt from the 1-1 draw:

#1: Set pieces need urgent work

All game, the greatest threat Chelsea posed was from set pieces. Naturally, that was how they won their penalty, and this is a recurring issue for United.

Set piece defence has been poor for a long time now, particularly issues with marking. United concede far too many goals from these, and as unbelievably stupid as McTominay was with the way he handled Armando Broja it is part of a wider issue.

#2: United’s failure to convert chances costs them a win

United may have drawn in the end, but the game arguably should have been won before the first half even ended.

United have been missing chances for fun lately. Whilst the number of chances being created is a positive, Ten Hag will be disappointed with how few are actually getting put away.

United have work to do in front of goal, hopefully the return of Anthony Martial soon will boost this, and that work needs to be done ASAP.

#3: Casemiro is a special, special footballer.

Even if he hadn’t won them the game with that header, Casemiro had quite comfortably been United’s best player and arguably the best on the pitch. The header just makes it a no contest.

Casemiro dominated the game today, on the ball spraying passes around with ease and off it killing every single attack Chelsea threw at him without even breaking a sweat.

He took some time to settle in at Old Trafford, but now he looks the best player United have had in his position in a very long time. His celebration was telling too, this is not just a payday for him. He is there to fight for United as much as he possibly can.

#4: Sancho needs to be dropped, again.

Bringing him back into the team after just two games on the bench was far too soon, and after showing initial response to the dropping Sancho probably had his worst performance for United today.

Antony playing against Chelsea. (Alamy)

It is tough to see a player that came with such promise struggle so much, and a lot of it feels like a lack of confidence because he is failing to pull off actions that are normally fine for him, but he does not deserve to play right now.

An extended period on the bench, maybe even a game or two out of the squad entirely, will give him the reality check he so desperately needs right now, because he hasn’t been good enough.

#5: World Cup heartbreak for Varane

Probably the worst part of today’s game was seeing the reaction when Raphaël Varane went down injured, it was not a pretty sight.

With the Frenchman looking in visible pain and being reduced to tears, it does not look promising for him and the possibility that one of world football’s finest centre-backs could miss the World Cup is high.

United’s players rallied around their defensive leader and showed him real support, and United fans will be praying that this injury is not as serious as it looks.

Topics: Manchester United, Chelsea, Scott Mctominay, Raphael Varane

Yusuf Haq

I’m a 19-year-old Economics student going into my third year of University. A keen Manchester United fan with a strong interest in football analysis.

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