Casemiro’s last breath earns Man Utd a point at Chelsea

Casemiro’s stoppage-time looping header gave Manchester United a deserved run in a dramatic final against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Defeat would have been tough for United, but they got the reward their performance deserved when Casemiro rose to meet Luke Shaw’s cross in six minutes of stoppage time, with Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga receiving a throw-in from the fingertips but unable to prevent the ball from crossing the line as it bounced inside the post.

United, with Cristiano Ronaldo ruled out of the squad as a disciplinary measure for refusing to substitute in the win over Tottenham, had the best chance of dominating the first half.

Erik ten Hag’s side were way above and much more dangerous, with Kepa saving Marcus Rashford and Antony well, the latter also missing a big chance when clean.

The second half was closer and ended with that frantic end, but United’s main concern now is an injury to defender Raphael Varane, who left the pitch in tears as he clearly fears for his Cup chances of the world with France.

Disappointment for Chelsea & Potter

Chelsea manager Graham Potter must have thought he was close to securing his second victory against United this season after Jorginho calmly returned home late.

Potter, who won at Old Trafford with Brighton on the opening weekend, was also expected to see his side claim a sixth successive clean sheet in all competitions until this late intervention from Casemiro.

In reality, however, Chelsea would have been lucky to win. Indeed, they were so outplayed in the first half that Potter was forced into a tactical reshuffle to bolster his struggling midfield after just 36 minutes, with Mateo Kovacic replacing Marc Cucurella.

Chelsea were grateful to goalkeeper Kepa during that spell but they improved after the break – although they were still unable to force De Gea to do any serious work, the only anxiety-inducing moment for the visitors when Trevoh Chalobah’s head ricocheted off the top of the bar.

The hosts were ultimately only able to manage two shots on target in a game that didn’t live up to their billing – but there will be real disappointment they couldn’t wrap up the win after taking the lead so late .

Potter was at least able to maintain his unbeaten record as Chelsea manager, but it could have been so much more satisfying.

Man Utd boss Ten Hag can be pleased

Ten Hag will settle for one point after almost leaving with nothing. When the dust settles, however, he will know that was a missed opportunity.

Rashford and Antony should each have done better when clean and it looked like they would pay for their splurge before Casemiro’s outstanding first goal for the club provided the sting in the tail.

Ten Hag was reportedly bitterly frustrated by McTominay’s reckless tangle with Broja to concede the penalty and it was no surprise the Scotland midfielder embraced Casemiro in pure relief at the end.

The United manager has made significant improvements to the team, who now press more effectively and play with more intensity.

He also dealt firmly and firmly with Ronaldo’s insubordination, leaving him out of the squad here to deliver a clear message that there will be only one man making the decisions at Old Trafford.

However, United will be worried about Varane, who collapsed with what looked like a muscle injury on his way to challenge Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The defender’s tearful reaction clearly suggests this is an issue that threatens his World Cup chances.

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