Jose Mourinho promised entertaining football when he took over at Chelsea for the second spell, but so far, Chelsea have been entertaining in only 45 min of the three matches. A match against Manchester United promised a lot before kick-off, but it turned out to be one of the dullest encounters in recent times. Mourinho put out a team that was not meant to lose and it was evident from the team news itself.
Rather than go with a traditional centre forward, Mourinho used Andre Schurrle as a striker. It was a formation that reminded of Barcelona under Guardiola, as there were no real recognised strikers on the pitch. Schurrle is not a centre forward and it showed throughout the match. Ferdinand and Vidic had a comfortable match, as they were rarely troubled. As Chelsea did not have anyone to hold the ball up, it kept coming back.
It was a game of limited opportunities for both teams, but United had a positive attitude. Chelsea appeared to have come with a gameplan of not to lose. A point at Old Trafford is not always a bad thing, but it was disappointing to see this attitude; Abramovich will almost certainly not be pleased.
“I think the result is fair. I think nobody did enough to be better than the opponent. Our counter-attacks and passes, to go from defensive situations to attacking situations, was not the best.” – Mourinho.
Rooney showed what Chelsea were missing on the night, as he was a shining light in a dull match. He was creating chances, coming back to defend, and taking shots on goal. He showed why Chelsea are prepared to go the extra length and sign him.
A few appeals for penalty from United and lame shots on goal from both teams were the only excitement in 90 min.
Team line-ups:
Manchester United (4-4-1-1): De Gea; Jones, Ferdinand, Vidic (c), Evra; Cleverley, Carrick; Valencia (Young 66), Rooney, Welbeck (Giggs 78); Van Persie
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Cole; Ramires, Lampard; De Bruyne (Torres 59), Oscar, Hazard (Azpilicueta 90+3); Schurrle (Mikel 87)
I luv chelsea
How long will MOU still go on experimenting with dis his squad before he realizes dat Mikel and Ramires partnership or Mikel and Lampard is better in d midfield. Also, i tink its time he quickly buy Eto’o and Martinez and let Ba and Torres go. I tink someone shud better advise him fast
chelsea 3 bayern munchen 0l