Manchester United and Chelsea draw blanks

Goalless draw at Old Trafford

Manchester United and Chelsea played out a goalless draw at Old Trafford this evening, with both goalkeepers coming out on top.

The two sides went into the game at the other ends of the table but both in uncertain situations, with Chelsea under new management following Jose Mourinho‘s sacking, and United in a poor run of form and without a win in seven.

United lost to Stoke City on Boxing Day and Chelsea were held at home to Watford, so both were looking to get back to winning ways this evening.

However, it was a tale of two goalkeepers as David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois couldn’t be beaten.

Match Summary

United started brightly and nearly took the lead, but Juan Mata‘s rocket-shot cannoned back off the crossbar and away to safety.

Chelsea then nearly took the lead at the other end, but John Terry saw his header saved superbly by De Gea from point-blank range.

United came close once again, but Anthony Martial was denied by the woodwork as his low shot rebounded off the post.

The second-half was a similar story as both sides failed to make the most of their opportunities.

Pedro and Cesar Azpilicueta came close for the visitors but both Spaniards saw their shots saved by their counterpart in between the United sticks.

Nemanja Matic was then put through one-on-one, but the Serbian skied his chance, much to the frustration of the travelling Londoners.

It was then Courtois‘ turn to pull off a stunning save as he somehow prevented Ander Herrera from giving the hosts the lead. A low-drilled cross found it’s way to the Spaniard, but his goal-bound shot was blocked by the Belgian.

Van Gaal‘s men nearly won the game right at the death, but Wayne Rooney volleyed over from just six-yards out.

The goalless draw keeps United sixth on 30 points, while Chelsea sit 14th on 20.

Match Reaction

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, speaking to BT Sport: “For me, it [his future] is not an interesting subject because I cannot have any influence on that, I can only work with my players and you can see they are fighting for me. Even after this result the fans were applauding so I cannot say I’m very much concerned. In this football world you never know, but I’m fully confident in the board and my players.

“Will I resign? On the contrary. When the players can give such a performance with a lot of pressure, there is not any reason to resign for me. Maybe the media wants me to but I shall not resign. It’s not a question of staying, it’s a question of fulfilling my contract.”

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal speaking to BBC Sport: “We have forced the luck and still we didn’t score and that is unbelievable when you see what happens today. I am frustrated.

“I thank my players for the performance but we need a victory. It gives a lot of hope for the fans. My relationship with players, board and staff members is very good. There is no reason to sack me.

“The results are not good enough. I know that, the players and board know that. It can be different in about one month.”

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney speaking to BT Sport: “We created a lot of chances but didn’t manage to take one. The crowd were excellent today and you could see how much it meant to the players. It’s a disappointing result because we dominated the game but that is football.

“A lot of people say a lot of different things. We would be letting ourselves down if we didn’t go out on the pitch and give our all. We will keep fighting and we will come back.”

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea speaking to BT Sport: “Both teams had chances but I think we played better than them. We didn’t have the luck we need to win these games.

“We have to keep focused on only football and try to win the games ahead.”

Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin: “I thought we were unlucky. Everyone in the changing room is disappointed we did not win. We dominated the game and had a good tempo – we were on the front foot from kick-off and showed commitment.

“We wanted to show the fans we wanted to win but it is the same story again – in football you can’t win if you don’t score.”

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink, speaking to BBC Sport: “On the one hand, I am happy with a point because we had a difficult game, but on the other, we had two big chances to get three points. We were lacking some attacking players and had to adapt. In general, I’m happy.

“Hazard is very mobile and can go either way. His preference is the left and he’s doing very well in the centre. All our strikers are injured, so we have to adapt.”

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, speaking to BT Sport: “They wanted to win in front of their fans. From the start they put high pressure on us. Without a striker, it wasn’t easy for us to find depth but we had chances and David [de Gea] played well. The team showed progression, which was good.

“It’s a pity Matic doesn’t score. It’s more difficult for us than last year, but I think we are getting into a flow to win games.

“You cannot think it’s not possible to get relegated, but we look forward, and we think that soon we will get the winning flow.”

Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt