Chelsea vs Manchester United: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis

#2 Manchester United's strategy was to stop Eden Hazard no matter what

Nemanja Matic and Ashley Young were booked in the first half for fouls on Eden Hazard

Without Pedro in the lineup and Willian playing a bit deeper than usual, it was clear that the majority of Chelsea's attacks would flow through Eden Hazard. The Belgian forward was a constant menace not only on United's right flank but also when he cut into the middle.

Without Mourinho's secret weapon in Ander Herrera to handcuff himself to Hazard and deny him any space or time on the ball, United had to take him head-on whenever he had the ball.

Sure enough, when that didn't go according to plan, the Red Devils resorted to fouling the Premier League's Golden Boot leader. In fact, Hazard was fouled three times in the opening 15 minutes!

Eden Hazard has been fouled 3 times in the opening 15 minutes & has now won joint most fouls in PL this season, 24 (with James Maddison) pic.twitter.com/RizqexczuT

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) October 20, 2018

Nemanja Matic was guilty of sticking a foot out at the edge of the box to bring Hazard down and, much to everyone's amazement, referee Mike Dean kept his cards in his pocket.

It was a cynical challenge - the so-called 'tactical foul' - meant to stop Hazard from eventually taking a shot on goal. Even Ashley Young went into the book in the first half for getting a little too close for Hazard's comfort while challenging for the ball.