The Argentina international passed up a handful of good chances to score in a game which never caught fire while the Red Devils' backline impressed

Ruud van Nistelrooy was left cursing the wasteful finishing of Alejandro Garnacho as Manchester United drew 1-1 with Chelsea in the the first Premier League game of the Dutchman's interim spell. The Argentine had four attempts on goal and missed a real sitter with the game goalless.

Marcus Rashford hammered the bar in the first half after Noni Madueke had hit the post, but United found the breakthrough when Rasmus Hojlund was felled by Robert Sanchez. Bruno Fernandes, channelling Van Nistelrooy, buried the resulting penalty in the 70th minute. The hosts' joy lasted just four minutes, though, as Moises Caicedo – a United target before he joined Brighton in 2021 – levelled with a gorgeous volley.

Van Nistelrooy's first game in temporary charge against Leicester was a feast of goals, but here he showcased his ability to organise a defence, with his compatriot Matthjis de Ligt shackling Cole Palmer and Noussair Mazraoui producing an all-action display.

GOAL rates United's players from Old Trafford…

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Andre Onana (5/10):

Was glad to see Neto's strike fizz wide when he had been beaten. Little he could do to stop Caicedo's superb hit.

Diogo Dalot (5/10):

Booked for wiping out Neto in a first half in which he struggled. Got better in the second.

Matthjis de Ligt (7/10):

Made two fine blocks to thwart Palmer after giveaways from Casemiro and Ugarte.

Lisandro Martinez (6/10):

Made an important tackle on Madueke and was comfortable playing out under pressure. A tad fortunate not to be sent off for his high tackle on Palmer towards the end.

Noussair Mazraoui (8/10):

Appeared everywhere, sweeping up in defence and using the ball well in attack. His finest display yet.

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Manuel Ugarte (5/10):

Arrived late for too many tackles while botching a few passes.

Casemiro (7/10):

Had an early pass scooped up by Caicedo but improved from then on, making numerous well-timed challenges and blocks.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

His passing was superb but let down by the finishing of Rashford and especially Garnacho. Took his penalty well.

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Alejandro Garnacho (4/10):

Very disappointing, especially in front of goal. A bad pass ended a promising first-half break, while he missed three great chances, above all when he scuffed a Fernandes lay-off into the ground and into Sanchez's arms. Unlucky not to grab the winner right at the end.

Rasmus Hojlund (5/10):

Had a few nice interchanges with Garnacho, although he created little danger until winning the penalty.

Marcus Rashford (6/10):

Twisted Gusto inside out in the first half and right before half-time hit the bar with a ferocious volley. Faded in the second, having a tame shot at Sanchez, and was first player to come off.

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Amad Diallo (6/10):

Bolstered the threat from the right with some mazy runs.

Joshua Zirkzee (N/A):

Put himself about in the area but lacked a cutting edge.

Victor Lindelof (N/A):

Brought on in the 82nd minute.

Ruud van Nistelrooy (6/10):

Had a careful albeit cautious game-plan which was executed well. Will be frustrated not to have seen the win out, especially after celebrating the goal with real gusto, but a draw is a very decent result given the circumstances.