FOR the fifth time this season, and second facing Chelsea, Manchester United played out a 0-0 draw against another of the so-called ‘Big Six’.
Unlike some of the previous encounters, this one at least had some moments of attacking excitement.
The two defences came out on top in another Manchester United 0-0 this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But the two defences came out on top at Stamford Bridge as the Red Devils maintained their six-point buffer to fifth.
It was the first time both league meetings between Chelsea and United have ended 0-0 in the same season since 1921-22.
Here’s how SunSport assessed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men…
David De Gea – 7
Retained his league place despite poor form and Dean Henderson’s challenge.
First moment of note came when he fluffed a clearance straight to Olivier Giroud but the Frenchman’s shot was well off target.
He was right on it at the second time, though, with a strong right wrist to deny Hakim Ziyech.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Made an attacking start and willing to support the attacks – but that did leave his centre-backs exposed early on.
Largely solid as usual in his defensive duties in a typically-unspectacular performance.
Victor Lindelof – 6
Left for dead by Giroud’s movement as Callum Hudson-Odoi delivered a wicked delivery – the Swedish international needed to do better to track the run.
And he did do much better late on to turn James’ wicked delivery away from Timo Werner at the back post.
Harry Maguire – 7
Helped push the defensive line higher up the pitch, likely due to the lack of pace from Giroud.
Went on a few of his marauding gallops down the left channel in search of breaking through Tuchel’s stern defence.
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Luke Shaw – 8
Another strong performance in both directions and regularly got forward down the left wing as a constant outlet, forcing Thomas Tuchel to bring Reece James on at half-time.
Sublime work to come flying across and block James’ drive following the big De Gea stop.
Scott McTominay – 7
Back in the starting XI sooner than expected and a welcome return as he continued his partnership with Fred.
Forced Edouard Mendy into the first meaningful save of the afternoon then moments later popped up in his own area to thwart Mason Mount.
Poor pass on the counter in the 90th minute when United had a man advantage.
Fred – 7
A combative pressing performance to win the ball back time and time again in the midfield – got one wrong when he came through the back of Mount and picked up a yellow.
Could not quite curl his right-footed effort inside the far post with Mendy scrambling midway through the second half then had another ambitious effort parried in the final seconds.
Daniel James – 6
Handed another start with Anthony Martial benched.
Plenty of work rate from the Welshman with very little to show for it, bar a speculative long-range effort.
David De Gea showed a strong right wrist to deny Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech after a nervy clearance earlier in the gameCredit: EPA
Luke Shaw was impressive going forwards and backwards at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Bruno Fernandes – 4
Uncharacteristically off his game throughout, compounded with a series of wasteful passes out of play and losing possession 20 times in total – the most of anyone on the pitch.
Then Fernandes messed up a counter attack by failing to find Marcus Rashford before angrily berating the referee as his miserable record against the so-called ‘Big Six’ continued.
Mason Greenwood – 6
Involved in the early penalty controversy as he tussled with Hudson-Odoi who escaped an apparent handball in the box.
Almost opened the scoring with a trademark powerful strike from the edge of the area which flashed just wide.
Marcus Rashford – 5
Given a rare start through the middle as the No9 with no Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial before switching with Greenwood on the left.
Almost created a glorious chance with an instinctive chip then could not quite replicate his stunning free-kick at the same ground from October 2019 – other than that it was a quiet afternoon for the England man.
SUBS
Anthony Martial (for Greenwood, 79 mins) – 6
Fred battled away in the middle of the park and tried his luck with a few long-range effortsCredit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail
Bruno Fernandes was off his game against the so-called ‘Big Six’ once again and gave the ball away 20 timesCredit: Reuters
Chelsea and Manchester United tie in a goalless draw
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
