Manchester United make worst start in Premier League after draw with Chelsea

Caretaker manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will be replaced by Ruben Amorim later this month, raced down the touchline to celebrate Bruno Fernandes giving United the lead from the penalty spot 20 minutes from time.

Caicedo responded quickly for the Blues, who finished ahead of Arsenal on goal difference in fourth place in the table.

One point leaves United still in 13th place, six points off the top four.

With just 12 points from 10 matches, the Red Devils are United’s worst start to the league since the 1986/87 season.

Amorim was not present as he prepares to lead Sporting Lisbon in one of their final matches against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.

United were much more competitive than they were in the 3-0 home thrashing of Liverpool and Tottenham this season, but exhibited many of the same weaknesses that cost Ten Hag his job.

Van Nistelrooy thrashed weak Leicester 5-2 in his first match in charge to reach the League Cup quarter-finals in midweek.

Still a hero among United fans from his prolific striker days, the Dutchman’s name was chanted in the lively pre-match atmosphere.

However, a Chelsea side that has lost once in nine Premier League matches has provided a much sterner test for a United team still lacking in confidence.

Both teams hit the woodwork in a disappointing opening 45 minutes, with Noni Madueke hitting the post from a corner before Marcus Rashford’s soft volley clipped the half-time crossbar.

Pedro Neto’s quick pace almost gave Chelsea a dream second period, but the Portuguese striker’s shot sailed wide of the far post.

However, the Blues still rely too much on Cole Palmer for inspiration.

The boyhood United fan, who started his career at Manchester City before moving to Chelsea last year, was silenced by Van Nistelrooy pairing Casemiro with Manuel Ugarte in midfield.

– “The results will come” –

Going into the match, only Southampton had scored fewer than United’s eight Premier League goals in nine games this season.

The lack of effectiveness in front of goal that Ten Hag had often complained about was once again evident.

“We’ve dropped a few points in the last few games and haven’t taken our chances,” said Van Nistelrooy, who will take charge of two more games.

“When you create a lot, throughout the season, I’m not too worried about the players keeping up with the results and confidence growth. The results will come.”

Alejandro Garnacho missed a golden chance to open the scoring after Fernandez’s tame shot found its way into the hands of Robert Sanchez.

United had a chance to break the deadlock when Sanchez clipped Rasmus Hoylund in the box.

Fernandez kept his cool, sending the Spain goalkeeper the wrong way and prompting wild celebrations from Van Nistelrooy.

United’s joy was short-lived as Chelsea hit back within four minutes.

The corner was cleared only to the edge of the penalty area, where Caicedo delivered a superb shot that found the bottom corner.

Caicedo cost the UK a record £115 million ($149 million) when he joined Chelsea just over a year ago and is starting to recoup that investment after a difficult first season.

“I’ve been doing fantastic since we arrived,” Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca said.

“The problem with Moi is that the club pays a lot of money, people expect them to be the best. It’s normal to be a little up and down. We’re trying to improve him and he shows how good he is.”

Chelsea were to strike again moments later when substitute Enzo Fernandez went down and Andre Onana was stranded.

But it was United who came closest to a frantic finale when Garnacho’s acrobatic effort flew wide.

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