Chelsea draws Manchester United 1-1 in first Premier League game after Eric ten Hag sacking

Moises Caicedo's strike denied Manchester United a win in their first Premier League game since the sacking of Eric ten Hague as Chelsea claimed a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Interim boss Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who will be replaced by Ruben Amorim at the end of the month, sprinted onto the touchline to celebrate after Bruno Fernandes put United ahead from the penalty spot 20 minutes from time. Caicedo immediately replied for the Blues, who headed Arsenal ahead with the fourth goal. One point leaves United still in 13th, six points behind the top four. Amorim was not present as he prepares to take charge of Sporting Lisbon for the last time against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.

United were far more competitive this season than the 3–0 demolitions at home to Liverpool and Tottenham, but displayed many of the same flaws that cost Ten Hag his job.

Van Nistelrooy defeated under-strength Leicester 5–2 in his first match to reach the League Cup quarter-finals in midweek.

Still a hero among United fans from his days as a prolific striker, the Dutchman's name was chanted in the enthusiastic pre-match atmosphere.

However, a Chelsea team that has lost once in nine Premier League games provided a very stiff test for a United team still lacking in confidence.

Noni Madueke came closest to opening the scoring for Chelsea in the first half when he headed Cole Palmer's corner wide of the post.

United took time to find their footing as an attacking force but were unlucky not to get in front just before half-time.

Marcus Rashford hit the crossbar with a cushioned volley in the final 45 minutes of a disappointing first 45 minutes of action for both sides.

Pedro Neto's blazing pace almost gave Chelsea a dream start to the second period, but the Portuguese winger's shot went wide of the far post.

The Blues rely heavily on Palmer for inspiration.

The childhood United fan, who started his career at Manchester City before joining Chelsea last year, was kept quiet by Casemiro's pairing of Van Nistelrooy with Manuel Ugarte in midfield.

Before kick-off only Southampton had scored fewer than United's eight Premier League goals in nine matches this season.

The lack of efficiency in front of goal, which Ten Hag often complained about, was once again in evidence.

Garnacho missed a great chance to open the scoring from Fernandes's cut-back, which went into the hands of Sanchez.

United had the chance to break the deadlock when Robert Sanchez clipped Rasmus Hjolund inside the box.

Fernandes maintained his composure to send the Spanish international the wrong way and draw a wild celebration from Van Nistelrooy.

United's joy was short-lived as Chelsea hit back within four minutes.

A corner was cleared only to the edge of the box, where Caicedo took a sweet strike to fire into the bottom corner.

Chelsea should have struck again moments later when substitute Enzo Fernandez threaded the ball past Andre Onana.

It was United who came closest in the frantic finale when Garnacho's acrobatic effort went wide.