Manchester United and Chelsea played out a drab 1-1 draw in their English Premier League (EPL) match at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Billed as a potentially entertaining encounter based on history, the match turned out an underwhelming evening following 90 minutes that failed to sparkle despite two goals.
Bruno Fernandes put Man United in the lead before Moise Caicedo cancelled the advantage for both sides to settle for a share of the points.
The visitors had the first chance of the match, Noni Madueke headed onto the bar from four yard off of Cole Palmer’s corner kick delivery.
The hosts were next to test Chelsea’s resolve but Fernandes fired high and wide before Alejandro Garnacho saw his shot saved by Roberto Sanchez, Chelsea goalkeeper.
Rashford then hit the bar with a volley as Man United created the better openings but both sides went into the half-time break level.
Enzo Maresca’s side had the first chance of the second period but Pedro Neto’s shot was to the far post from outside the area narrowly missed the target.
The match turned into a slow and scrappy encounter but Man United were handed the opportunity to take the lead when Sanchez brought down Rasmus Hojlund in the box.
Fernandes stepped up and buried his spot-kick to put Man United ahead in the 70 minute.
The goal opened up the contest and Chelsea replied with the equaliser four minutes later, a low volley by Caicedo went through a sea of bodies into the net to restore parity.
However, the expected finale never materialised as the game fizzled out at the end.
The share points ensured Man United maintained their unbeaten league streak of 12 matches at Old Trafford against Chelsea, but the Red Devils are in the bottom half of the league in 13th position with 12 points.
Chelsea are fourth with 18 points from 10 matches.
Dominic Solanke scored a brace in four second half minutes to lead Tottenham to 4-1 comeback victory over high-flying Aston Villa at the Spurs’ London stadium.
