Manchester United vs Chelsea: Winners and Losers

The match that was billed as the first real battle between the giants turned out to be a bit of a stalemate in more ways than one. Chelsea and Manchester United seemed content with the goalless draw and the fact that both left with a share of the spoils. Let’s now take a look at some of the best and worst performances on the night.

Winners

Wayne Rooney

Wayne Rooney of Manchester United (left)

Many believed that Moyes included him in the starting line-up simply to prove a point to the media and rival fans. However, Wayne Rooney’s performance was nothing short of excellent. He was fizzing with energy and put in a decent shift while deployed as the second striker, often involving himself a lot more in the overall play than Robin van Persie did.

His passing was excellent and he looked likely to have a shot whenever he got near the penalty area. Overall, he was the best performer on the field and he should be proud of his display.

Oscar

Oscar of Chelsea

The young Brazilian has started every game under Mourinho so far and for good reason; he has looked more and more accomplished in that position with every game that’s gone by. Against United, he was given a free role and allowed to roam the field, which he did.

His attacking runs were somewhat subverted but he looked lively whenever on the ball and even had a couple of shots during the first half. He did his fair share of defensive work and always looked to press hard whenever Chelsea weren’t in possession. A decent performance from the Brazilian.

John Terry

John Terry of Chelsea

The Chelsea captain looked a lot like his old imposing self again. He almost single-handedly outmarked Robin van Persie out of the game, sticking to him and not allowing the Dutchman to get into any goal-scoring positions. Terry also made a few good clearances and his amazing ability to read the game allowed him to stop quite a few attacks.

Mourinho had stated that the Chelsea captain was by no means a guaranteed starter for him, but a performance like that against the current League champions will no doubt help him keep his spot in the starting XI.

Losers

Robin van Persie

Robin Van Persie of Manchester United (left)

Scoring goals regularly is something fans have come to expect from Robin van Persie. Therefore, when he doesn’t score goals it’s surprising. That’s exactly what happened against Chelsea. The Dutch international found it hard to get into any goal-scoring positions and the lack of service from his wingers didn’t help his cause either.

It was an uncharacteristically quiet game for RVP, who was the Premier League’s top goal-scorer last season. Chelsea fans will most certainly be relieved he didn’t threaten their goal too much.

Ramires

Ramires of Chelsea (left)

The Brazilian, who put in two decent performances in his first two games this season, had a bit of a shocker against United. Misplaced passes, too many unnecessary long balls, and not providing any direct attacking threat whatsoever, Ramires was subdued against United.

He seemed to have sorted out his errant passing but against United he showed that his passing still hasn’t reached the levels it should be at. His work-rate was once again unquestionable, but his overall contribution was minimal.

Antonio Valencia

Antonio Valencia of Manchester United (right)

The right winger had a quiet game and failed to be a legitimate threat to Chelsea’s defence, although he did manage to get the better of Ashley Cole on a couple of occasions.

He didn’t get too many crosses into the box and his runs down the wing ended in nothing. All in all, he was poor. It says a lot that Ashley Young, who replaced him in the second half, posed more of a threat to Chelsea.