Ruud van Nistelrooij did not end his Premier League debut as (interim) manager of Manchester United with a win. The Dutch coach had opportunities for more at home against Chelsea but ultimately settled for a draw.
In the first match following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, Manchester United delivered an impressive performance, scoring four goals within the first forty minutes under the temporary stewardship of Ruud van Nistelrooij against Leicester City.
The emphatic 5-2 victory in the League Cup brought a wave of optimism to Old Trafford, hinting at a possible revival under new leadership. However, just a few days later, reality set in as The Red Devils faced a much sterner challenge in the Premier League clash against Chelsea.
The game at Old Trafford started with high intensity, as Manchester United pushed forward with confidence. Marcus Rashford was at the forefront, demonstrating his usual pace and attacking prowess. His efforts nearly paid off when he struck the post and then tested Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, who managed to deflect a shot aimed at the bottom corner. Bruno Fernandes also showed his intent, sending a rebound over the bar and seeing a powerful free kick blocked by the defensive wall. Alejandro Garnacho, another rising star, added to the pressure, but his close-range attempt ended up in the keeper’s gloves.
Despite United’s offensive push, Chelsea was not without their own threats. The Blues capitalized on any missteps by the home team, including a slip by Andre Onana, but failed to turn those moments into goals. Noni Madueke came closest for the visitors, rattling the post with a well-placed header that silenced the Old Trafford crowd momentarily.
As the second half commenced, the pattern of play remained largely unchanged. Both teams continued to create opportunities but found themselves lacking the precision needed to break the deadlock. Manchester United’s recurring issue under the previous regime their inability to convert clear chances was on full display once more. This had been a key factor in Ten Hag’s departure, with United holding the unwanted record of having the largest negative disparity between goals scored and expected goals in the Premier League. The moment that epitomized this problem came when Garnacho, positioned just five meters from goal, failed to capitalize on a golden opportunity, frustrating both fans and coaching staff alike.
With the game still locked at 0-0, it was a set piece that finally provided a breakthrough. Rasmus Højlund, making his presence felt in the opponent’s penalty area, won United a crucial penalty with his first touch inside the box. This was a pivotal moment, especially considering last season’s missed penalty against Chelsea that had haunted Bruno Fernandes. This time, however, the captain was composed and clinical, confidently dispatching the spot-kick to give United a slender lead.
The euphoria was short-lived, as Chelsea responded with determination. From a deflected corner, Moises Caicedo struck a powerful shot that found the back of the net, marking his first goal of the season. The equalizer stunned the home crowd and left Van Nistelrooij visibly frustrated on the touchline.
In the final phase of the match, Manchester United had chances to reclaim the lead but fell short. Matthijs de Ligt, who had been solid for most of the game, nearly became the villain when he slipped while attempting to clear, but Chelsea could not capitalize on the blunder. Substitute Joshua Zirkzee provided a moment of hope when he surged forward with his first touch, but lacking the pace, he failed to pose a serious threat to Sanchez. Garnacho and Fernandes each tried their luck again in the dying moments, their volleys narrowly missing the target and flying just over the bar.
The draw underscored the challenges Manchester United still face, despite the initial lift provided by Van Nistelrooij’s appointment. The ‘new manager effect’ that had energized the squad against Leicester appeared to fade, leaving United with only a single point from a match they could have won. For incoming manager Rúben Amorim, who is set to take the reins after the international break, the task ahead is clear: stabilize the team and convert chances into points to lift Manchester United out of the lower half of the Premier League table. The Portuguese coach’s primary challenge will be instilling the composure and clinical finishing that eluded his new side, particularly in games where opportunities are plentiful but outcomes remain unsatisfactory.
As Van Nistelrooij departs his interim role, the spotlight now turns to Amorim. His ability to harness United’s attacking talent and reinforce defensive solidity will be pivotal in turning their season around and making the most of matches like the one against Chelsea, where potential victory slipped through their grasp.
