United’s wasted draw against a much superior Chelsea

Manchester United already needs a real miracle to play the Champions League next season. They needed to win at all costs to still have a chance but they could barely salvage a draw at Old Trafford against a much superior Chelsea who deserved to win clearly in the first half.

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The 1-1 keeps United in sixth place in the Premier with 55 points and only three games to play. while Arsenal, fourth and burning the Champions League positions, adds 60 and still has five games left. Chelsea, third, took another step towards the Champions League: they add 66 points and take 8 over Tottenham (5th).

Chelsea handcuffed Manchester United by taking possession of the ball, playing with fluidity, easily overcoming the pressure lines, but the goal was resisted for an hour due to the great performance of David De Gea, who once again supported his team, completely at the mercy of the rival.

A great De Gea keeps United alive

The Madrid goalkeeper was the lifesaver from practically the opening whistle by repelling a whiplash by Reece James in the 5th minute. Just a few seconds later De Gea saved a shot at the short post by Timo Werner (6′) and later also controlled a shot by N ‘Golo Kante (19’).

Some United fans then entered the stands after being absent in protest at the management of the Glazer family, which owns the club and is blamed for the disappointing results of recent seasons.

With or without them, the script did not change. De Gea surpassed himself and starred in the save of the night in a counterattack. An outstanding Kanté left Kai Havertz alone with his pass, whose shot took out the local goalkeeper with his chest (28′). And even before the break, De Gea repelled a header from the German striker (36′).

Great goal from Marcos Alonso, but Cristiano tied

In the second half, Chelsea continued their dominance playing mostly in the rival field and finally opened the scoring with a great goal from Marcos Alonso. James put in a cross from the right, Havertz headed poorly but the ball fell perfectly to the Madrid winger, who hit an unappealable cross volley with his left foot (60′).

Chelsea finally found the effectiveness in front of goal that they lacked but their joy barely lasted two minutes. Nemanja Matic, after a rebound, assisted with a good bounce pass to Cristiano Ronaldo, who ‘punctured the ball with great quality and shot Édouard Mendy (62’). It is the 23rd goal of the season for the Portuguese and 17th in the Premier.

Reece James to the post

Chelsea continued to dominate but without occasions. Of course, he had a very clear one in the 80th minute in a recovery by Kanté, Mason Mount was pleased with a backheel pass and James crashed his shot with a thread on the post, which was saved by an outmatched De Gea (80′).

United, who had just lost to Liverpool (4-0) and Arsenal (3-1), avoided their third straight defeat against a ‘Big Six’ but they are not even a consolation to a disenchanted crowd.