Man Utd player ratings vs Chelsea: One star gets 3/10 as Rashford struggles

After the excitement sparked by the appointment of Ruben Amorim this week, Manchester United fans were brought back down to earth today by a lacklustre display against Chelsea. Despite coming away with a 1-1 draw, the size of the task facing the Portuguese boss was plain for all to see as the hosts struggled to assert themselves.

And yet, an unlikely win seemed on the cards after 70 minutes when Rasmus Hojlund was brought down by Robert Sanchez, with Bruno Fernandes converting the penalty. But less than four minutes later Moises Caicedo levelled matters with a sublime volley.

Prior to that, the contest had been largely uninspired. It was the Blues who then did the late pressing for a winner, but the hosts held on for a creditable point, even if the display left much to ponder.

Express Sport rates the Man Utd players….

Onana – 6

Was barely tested until the Caicedo volley, and could do little as the ball flew into the bottom corner. Fortunate in the first half though, after a suicidal short pass to Casemiro almost cost United dear.

Dalot – 6

Guilty of a rash challenge on Pedro Neto in the first half which saw him rightfully booked. Dealt with the threat of the wide man far better thereafter.

De Ligt – 6

Solid if not spectacular. Dealt well with the threat of Jackson although did lose his footing during one Chelsea attack, but was saved by Enzo Fernandez shooting wastefully high and wide.

Martinez – 5

Still not the commanding presence he appeared before his knee injury last April. Lacked assurance on the ball and was often caught out of position as Chelsea attacked. Lucky not to be sent off in injury time.

Mazraoui – 6

Continues to be played out of position but his work rate was again admirable. Linked well with his midfield, but was left exposed as the Blues pressed late on.

Casemiro – 5

Another display that throws his future into question. Quality on the ball remains but did not have the legs to match Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. Booked late on out of pure frustration.

Ugarte – 6

A mixed bag. Harried well and showed intent to drive forward, and unleashed one sublime crossfield ball to Rashford in the second half. But at times untidy in possession and was fortunate to get away with one misplaced pass to Cole Palmer. The forward also ghosted past him in the first half, with the Uruguayan booked for then cynically pulling him down.

Garnacho – 3

Looked a shadow of the player who thrived last season. Could only shoot harmlessly at Robert Sanchez when a chance fell his way early on, and fluffed his lines again with the goal gaping later on. Sloppy with his passing and decision making in attack was poor.

Fernandes – 7

Again stood up when those around him were left wanting. Confidently converted his penalty, although volleyed wildly off target when a chance came his way at the death.

Rashford – 5

Struck the post late in the first half, with Frank Lampard pointing out his volley technique reflected a player lacking in confidence. Hauled off before the end and his form, or lack of, is becoming a real concern at United.

Hojlund – 6

Touched the ball just once in the Chelsea box all game. It was a telling one however, a lovely takedown before winning the penalty. Desperately needs more service.

Substitutes

Amad (for Rashford, ‘72) – 5

Was given 20 minutes to impose himself but struggled to get into the game.

Zirkzee (for Hojlund, ‘83) – 5

Straight away had a chance to go through on goal, but hesitated and wasted the moment.

Lindelof (for Ugarte, ‘83) – 5

Came on in midfield but made little impact.