Man Utd and Chelsea play to a stalemate
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Wayne Rooney’s headline-grabbing presence couldn’t inspire Manchester United to victory over Chelsea on Monday as the title rivals played out a dull 0-0 draw in the Premier League’s first blockbuster match of the season.
David Moyes marked his first home game in charge of United with the bold selection of Rooney against a club that has twice lodged unsuccessful offers to sign the England striker this summer.
It added extra spice to a game always eagerly anticipated but, despite a standout performance from Rooney in his first start of the season, neither team created a clear-cut chance in a disappointing encounter at Old Trafford.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho opted surprisingly to start with no recognized striker, only bringing on Fernando Torres after 60 minutes, and was happy to leave with a point that keeps his team unbeaten after three matches in his second spell in charge. Chelsea is top of the early standings on seven points.
“I think it’s a fair point,” Mourinho said. “Nobody deserved to lose...
I think for us, after two home victories, to come to the champions in their first match at home and get a point, I think it’s fine, it’s positive.”
Continuing the traditions of his predecessor Alex Ferguson, Moyes fielded an attacking lineup that contained three strikers — including Rooney.
Danny Welbeck wasted the home side’s best chance, scooping over from 10 yards out in the second half, but United found Chelsea center backs John Terry and Gary Cahill an impenetrable barrier. It was United’s first 0-0 league draw at Old Trafford since 2009.
“I thought if anyone created the chances, it was us,” Moyes said. “It was a tight game and we just didn’t have the final cross or the final pass tonight. But I thought we played very well.”
Rooney was serenaded with chants from both sets of fans.
While United supporters belted out “Rooney, Rooney” throughout, Chelsea’s traveling contingent replied with: “We’ll see you next week” and “Sign him up.”
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