Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea: Hits and Flops from dour draw at Old Trafford | Premier League 2020-21

#3 Hit: Victor Lindelof

Lindelof (far right) was excellent at the back for United

Manchester United’s defence has come under fire for their shaky performances at the start of this season, and Victor Lindelof has received a fair share of criticism for his part in his side’s disappointing showings as well.

However, after putting in an encouraging shift against Newcastle last weekend, the Swede was excellent against PSG in midweek. He continued the upswing in form with a polished performance against Chelsea.

Up against the potent threat of Timo Werner, he formed an effective shield in combination with Harry Maguire in the heart of the Manchester United defence and barely put a foot wrong all evening.

Some excellent positional play that saw him make a few vital interceptions was backed up by confident forays forward, as he brought the ball up from the back to set off a United attack on more than one occasion.

With the first clean sheet of the season under his belt, Lindelof and his defensive colleagues are sure to look ahead towards their upcoming fixtures with renewed confidence.

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#4 Flop: Daniel James

Yet another underwhelming showing from United winger Dan James

Having come off the bench to score on his Manchester United debut in this fixture last season, Daniel James had fond memories of playing Chelsea at Old Trafford.

However, more than a year on from that game, the young Welshman’s United career has not progressed as he would have hoped.

Seemingly offering little more than his express pace, James’ lack of end product in the final third has been a source of frustration for United fans. Furthermore, James has been given a decent run of games in the starting lineup but has been unable to stake a claim for more regular game time. Such was the case against Chelsea, and he was taken off before the hour mark.

Going by his recent performances, it is only a matter of time before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer starts making alternate plans. We might see James used as more of an impact sub instead of a bona fide starter henceforth.

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#5 Hit: Fred

The Brazilian has become one of United's most consistent performers of late

One of Manchester United’s most improved players since his debut for the club, Fred has really grown in stature of late to emerge as one of United’s top midfielders.

The Brazilian’s partnership with Scott McTominay was crucial to United’s good run of form pre-lockdown last season, and it is the same duo that seem to be adding some much-needed stability to the side this campaign as well.

Fred’s high-energy displays see him cover a lot of ground. as he goes around making important interception. This, coupled with his usually accurate passing, has made his presence in the middle of the park vital for United.

The diminutive midfielder put in a typically robust performance against Chelsea as well, giving the likes of Kai Havertz no rest. He chased every loose ball and threw himself into tackle after tackle with a gusto that has helped him gain favour with the United faithful.