United’s priceless point
Ten Hag’s side thriving without Ronaldo as they show fight and courage to snatch draw at death
SOMETIMES a draw feels like it is worth more than a point. Saturday at Stamford Bridge was one of those occasions for Manchester United.
Wednesday’s 2- 0 win over Tottenham was unquestionably the most complete performance of Erik ten Hag’s reign to date.
Three days later, United were less convincing. When Jorginho dispatched an 87th- minute penalty, Ten Hag’s side were staring defeat square in the eye.
They had nine minutes to respond. Somehow they found a way — in the fourth minute of stoppage time — like United teams of the past. Fergie time, anyone?
It would be ludicrous to compare United’s current team to Sir Alex Ferguson’s great sides but the early signs are promising. This was only a draw but it was another meaningful step in the development of Ten Hag’s team after their dismantling of Spurs.
With their backs against the wall, United conjured the answers. This point was a triumph for resilience and courage. The talent in their squad is undeniable. Combine that excellence with fighting spirit and you have a recipe for success.
It was appropriate that Casemiro headed home the equaliser, as he embodied United’s staying power. The five-time Champions League winner was head and shoulders above anyone else.
Ten Hag has eased Casemiro into English football since his £70million move from Real Madrid but judging by this performance, the midfielder is fully adjusted.
The fact that goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was Chelsea’s best player is indicative of how the afternoon developed. Graham Potter’s side were not outplayed, but had the Chelsea boss not switched from a back three to a four-man defence in a move that saw Marc Cucurella substituted in the 36th minute, their evening could have been a lot worse.
Chelsea registered just two shots on target and Raheem Sterling in particular struggled to make an impact. The England star has been shifted around the Blues’ team since Potter’s arrival and is finding it difficult to find any rhythm.
That will be a concern to Potter — and to Gareth Southgate ahead of the World Cup next month.
‘As a team we can do better and, if we do that, individuals will benefit,’ said Potter. ‘ It’s not straightforward (to pick Sterling in one specific role) when we’ve been losing the players we have. He can help us in a number of positions.’
But the real story was United’s tenacity. And they showed it without Cristiano Ronaldo.
When the Portuguese superstar is reintegrated after refusing to come on against Spurs and storming out of Old Trafford before full time, he will rejoin a team that does not need him. Ten Hag and United have known that for quite a while and Ronaldo has been for sale since the summer.
There has been very little serious interest for a number of reasons: the financial cost, the fact that he is 37 and has a lack of mobility that does not suit a modern highoctane style. But perhaps the most pertinent reason is his ego.
It’s a transfer clubs and coaches believe they can do without. Ten Hag can clearly do without Ronaldo and he is reaping the benefits of having the strength of his convictions. In the short-term, there is still a place for the striker as someone who sets standards in training and who young players look up to. The lack of forward options on United’s bench on Saturday suggests Ronaldo will have an opportunity to play too.
But what is clear is Ten Hag will dictate how Ronaldo returns to the squad after his punishment. Results like this will only strengthen his position.