My Match Reactions- Manchester United vs Chelsea

The big match up. The Chosen One versus The Special One. 

While in my office yesterday, I couldn't concentrate fully because I was thinking about how this game would pan out. Many things were at stake. Pride, Bragging rights and friends who just wanna get on my freaking nerve hoping that United got mauled. I also have this Chelsea Fan called Roland Akubueze, Dude's always on my neck about Chelsea being the best thing after bread. But last night, he admitted that United played well, and I was impressed. But another friend called Francis "Paparazzi" was all up in my ear about Mourinho not using a Top 9, reason Chelsea didn't win. I mean, what the fuck, man? Give Moyes some credits!

Manchester United faced a familiar foe at Old Trafford last night, Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea. This was David Moyes’ first competitive match at Old Trafford, a match that has been anticipated over the last week or so as a tough match for United. Many thought it would be a goal fest, others thought United would fall victim to another defeat by a ‘special one’ side. The fact is it was a 0-0 draw. There were a few chances from both sides, but nothing that was going to break the deadlock.

Wayne Rooney made his first start, which was welcomed by the Old Trafford crowd. Moyes fielded a strong 4-2-3-1 formation which is the same as Chelsea. Mourinho’s side coped with everything United had in their locker, but did not offer much threat to David De Gea, who really did not have much to do. United had the better of the first half and Robin van Persie’s shot into the side netting was the closest to a goal we saw. Chelsea were good on the counter-attack, with De Gea twice being called into action against Oscar, coming off better both times.

And so it was, the first big clash of the season drew to a close, goalless with little to remember it for besides it’s own failures to produce. Here then, is five things that may be taken from the game.

1) Credit to the boy….

When it became known that Wayne Rooney would be getting a start against Chelsea, the club that has publicly courted him this Summer, many wondered what reaction the striker would receive for the first game at Old Trafford. From early on, the fans made it clear they wanted him to stay, cheering him on, the away section showing similar levels of affection. Regardless of fans’ opinions of him after a Summer of speculation, one has to give credit to the professionalism of his showing on Monday night. From the start he looked to get involved in the game even if his final product was somewhat lacking, perhaps a case of rustiness.

It is still unclear exactly where his future lies and it would not be inaccurate to state he will not hold the greatest of affections from the Old Trafford faithful. but if he were to stay, one might hope he will continue to make important contributions.

2) Big game, too early?

For all the hype that went into the game, it was, frankly, rather disappointing as a spectacle. Both sides looked ineffective going forward, and with Chelsea appearing to set up defensively, it made for a match that ended up cagey, with neither side succeeding in breaking the other down.

Considering it was United’s second game of the season, perhaps it is not so surprising. At this point, it is far too early to see how the title race will pan out, both sides are not quite fully fit yet and transfer business not quite finished. Perhaps this meant the game was looked as a tactical chess match, but what resulted was a game where most chances came from distances and passes did not find their mark. In fact, most talking points stemmed from refereeing decisions, rather than any particularly memorable pieces of play.

3) The refereeing decisions – debatable

The match was allowed to take on a physical nature by Atkinson. While never “rough” so to speak, one felt he showed some leniency in trying to allow the game to be played. That said, one has to admit some questionable decisions were made. Valencia should have been booked for a late challenge, and one must wonder why De Bruyne was booked as he tangled with Van Persie, the latter lucky not to get in trouble in the tussle.

In my opinion, the decision to not award Cole a penalty was correct, the defender going down far too easily, but one has to question why, if he considered it a dive, Cole was not booked for it. The biggest decision of the night came when Lampard appeared to handle the ball from Cleverley’s shot. It was one of those moments that nobody will agree, some saying he handled and therefore a penalty should be given, others will state he had not time to get out of the way from such a short distance and as such it would be harsh to award a penalty in that situation.

My opinion falls into the latter group, but what is clear is that a clarification of what is to be penalised with handball cases is needed.

4) The weight of number 7 off his shoulders?

For all the criticism that Antonio Valencia received last season, it was interesting to find that he was no longer sporting the number 7 shirt come the start of the season. Of course, one cannot make many judgements so early in the season, but one must wonder if he is relishing playing without the weight of expectation that number brings. Against Chelsea, he looked energetic down the right, took players on and succeeded in dribbling by the opposition.

If he can improve further, his presence down the right could be a real asset through the season. With competition for places heating up out wide with the signing of Zaha, as well as the emerging talents of United’s youth players, perhaps he has been stimulated and looking to impress. Regardless, a healthy set of wingers is exactly the type of situation United need.

5) Moyes’ first big test

For all the mind games and talk of United that Mourinho seems to have provided over the past few weeks, David Moyes was given an early test against a big rival to start the season. He set up with a strong side, playing Rooney, Welbeck and Van Persie. There were no particularly bad performances, and tactically matched Mourinho, although it is unlikely we will see Chelsea set up quite so defensively in other big matches later in the season.

In his first big test, he came off well, although both sides could be accused of showing each other a little too much respect. There will still be some questions regarding the way United conducted their transfers business this Summer, and what might happen as the transfer window draws to a close. The midfield will of course, be pointed to as a weakness, but regardless, Moyes will be judged on results, and if United can build from here, and provided the side does not suffer heavily from injuries, then there may not be many complaints come the end of the season.