Man Utd 0-0 Chelsea: Player ratings impressed as Thiago Silva but...

Manchester United and Chelsea drew goalless at Old Trafford, so both clubs still face question marks about their progress.

Marcus Rashford was the closest thing to overcoming the impasse, but the goal line was the result of a lack of ambition as both teams had conservative starting lineups to concede a goal.

This goal was achieved, but it was the only thing that was in the night. Find out who has improved their reputation and who fell short at Old Trafford …

MANCHESTER UNITED

David de Gea – 6

The Manchester United goalkeeper might have expected a busy evening given Tottenham’s exploits last time out at Old Trafford and the firepower at Chelsea. Instead, he was largely undisturbed, only a direct rescue of Christian Pulisic was required. The long-awaited Premier League goal for De Gea.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka –7

Manchester United’s most successful defender of the day, Wan-Bissaka, started well with a crucial challenge for Pulisic in the box that highlighted his impressive one-on-one skills. He tried to give momentum at the other end, but his lead was the one that suits him – defensive – and he did well.

Victor Lindelof – 7

Had interrupted his work with Timo Werner’s Movement in the rare event that United’s defense had no protection from the midfielders. Did really well to prevent the German from taking a shot in the left channel in the middle of the second half. Overall, Lindelof would have expected a more challenging game.

Harry Maguire – 6

After the team’s good performance in Paris was missed, the United captain was checked for that game as usual so the goal would have been welcome. Was a little lucky to avoid criticism for mistreating Cesar Azpilicueta in the area while clearing a corner in the first half but otherwise undisturbed.

Luke Shaw – 6

Back in his usual position as a left-back after doing well against Saint Saint-Germain on the left of Paris, Shaw was cautioned for a foul near the sideline when testing for pace in the first half. Can’t offer much support on the other end.

Fred – 5

Given the nod in midfield after doing well against PSG, Fred struggled at times. There was a goofy foul on Ben Chilwell that put his team under pressure and when he was robbed by Pulisic after a bad touch in his own half it created a chance for Chelsea too. The second half didn’t start any better when he was booked for a trip on Kai Havertz.

Scott McTominay – 6

Has earned his manager’s trust in the defensive work he does to protect the back four and that has made him a likely choice for a game where Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have been eager to stay close. Take out Chelsea well and make sure there is little space for the opponents’ attacking talents.

Bruno Fernandes – 6

Gary Neville previously mentioned that Fred and McTominay “have been shown to get the best out of Fernandes” so it was the Manchester United attacking midfielder’s job to get things going. Had a shot from range after half an hour but otherwise struggled to get on the ball before shifting it right to pick up Paul Pogba.

Juan Mata – 6

Hoping to build on his youngest form in a game against his old club, Mata hasn’t had enough company in the striker areas to show what quality he’s capable of. Forced a save from Edouard Mendy towards the end of the first half with a ruffled try headed for the corner but that was it from the Spaniard too. Withdrawn just before the hour.

Marcus Rashford – 6

Got closer than anyone to opening goal in the first 45 minutes but his purposeful use – low and hard – was too close to the Chelsea goalkeeper. Had a penalty shout shortly after when cut off by Thiago Silva and that blow seemed to hinder him afterwards, despite forcing Mendy to make another save in the closing stages.

Daniel James – 4

With so much quality on the bench, James needed a great performance, but it wasn’t. Had a few chances to face his Chelsea namesake early on but was easy to dispossess and Azpilicueta’s presence on the cover always seemed to keep the Welshman from exerting too much influence. Off before an hour had passed.

SUBS

Edinson Cavani – 6

Almost a dramatic debut for the Uruguayan striker when he got over his marker at the near post, only to see his shot hit the side netting at Mendy’s near post. Looked bright in his movement and tried to push from the front in a game that otherwise had little energy.

Paul Pogba – 6

Has made a big impression of the bank in the last few games and his manager was undoubtedly hoping for more – and got Pogba to play an attacking midfield role. Some nice details without really changing the way his team played.

Mason Greenwood – 6

Late introduction of Solskjaer, who came on for McTominay in a positive substitution by the home team but didn’t have much time to show what he could do. I’ve put in a few dangerous crosses, but to no avail.

CHELSEA

Edouard Mendy – 7

Mendy almost made up a terrible howl as he walked over his own goal and sent the ball to the corner, but responded well with good saves to deny Rashford and Mata before giving the Englishman a super stop in the final moments.

Cesar Azpilicueta – 7

Assured presence behind right-back Reece James and could have won a penalty when he was wrestled by Maguire after a Chelsea free kick. Well covered to hold off a dangerous shot from Rashford.

Kurt Zouma – 6

Largely comfortable over the last three but felt deprecated not receiving a penalty for Lindelof’s corner bout.

Thiago Silva – 7

Lost in position in the first half due to Rashford’s chance and lived dangerously with a clumsy kick against the United striker in the penalty area, but otherwise the veteran defender was at home at the heart of the last three and provided the lead that Chelsea have not had before in this area. Made an important block to refuse Cavani late.

Reece James – 7

Chelsea’s best attacker of the night. Drew had a foul and booking from Luke Shaw when he was too hot for the United full-back too early and an excellent cross in the second half that Havertz and Pulisic almost turned. His crosses from the right were the greatest threat to Chelsea.

N’Golo Kante – 6

Not as destructive as he is known and not had any outstanding moments. An overwhelming display – but he wasn’t alone.

Jorginho – 6

He worked hard in the middle of the field but his passing numbers were well below normal as he tried to influence the game when Chelsea were in possession.

Ben Chilwell – 6

Solid, if unspectacular. He was comfortable with Wan-Bissaka’s attacks but wasn’t as effective in the United half as boss Frank Lampard would have liked.

Kai Havertz – 5

Anonymous for much of the first half but fired Werner and played in Pulisic almost in quick succession early in the second and then just didn’t climb high enough to hit James’ cross. Took off in 70 minutes.

Timo Werner – 5

Looked like he was chasing Maguire but was starved in the first half. Had blocked an attempt by Maguire early in the second and then had no joy when he faced Lindelof. 20 minutes of playing time. A frustrating night.

Christian Pulisic-6

Showing his threat with a driving run and a deflected shot midway through the first half, he looked like Chelsea’s most likely player would liven up a dreary start. Inches away from joining with a nice cross from James after the break.

SUBS

Tammy Abraham – 6

Came to play with 20 minutes but failed to hit James’ cross from the right.

Mason Mount – 6

When he entered he was injected with some urgency but failed to get the breakthrough he was looking for.

Hakim Ziyech – 5

Deliveries of set pieces did not meet the required standard. Still not up to date.

What’s next?

Manchester United face RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday before Arsenal visit the Premier League on Sunday. From 4 p.m. live in the Sky Sports Premier League. Kick-off at 4.30 p.m.

Chelsea travel to Krasnodar for the Champions League on Wednesday before playing Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday at 3pm.