Chelsea player ratings vs. Manchester United: Solid showing

N’Golo Kante (Central midfielder): 7

Manchester United’s inability to threaten Chelsea through the middle was largely due to the Frenchman’s tireless running in the centre of the park. Having set up in a 3-4-3 system, Chelsea’s midfield was always going to face the threat of being completely overwhelmed in a two vs three midfield battle. Hence why Kante’s performance against Manchester United was key in deciding if Chelsea was going to come away with anything from the game.

With Jorginho serving his role as the deepest lying play-maker, Kante was constantly on the heels of the likes of Fred and Bruno Fernandes, giving them as little time as possible on the ball in threatening positions. In fact, Kante was so effective in his role that Paul Pogba’s introduction early on in the second half ultimately failed to provide the spark that United’s midfield was sorely lacking. Additionally, and perhaps unexpectedly, Kante also served as Chelsea’s key ball progressor in the centre of the pitch in the absence of Mateo Kovacic, carrying the ball forward in a valiant attempt to create something for Chelsea’s misfiring front three. It was a truly outstanding, all-action performance from the 29-year-old and Frank Lampard must surely be counting his lucky stars to have a fully-fit Kante at his disposal.

Jorginho (Central midfielder): 6

The less-glamourous of Chelsea’s midfield duo, Jorginho was nevertheless still functional as Chelsea’s deepest lying midfielder, screening the back four to good effect against a United attack that can be extremely potent on the break. Apart from a clumsy attempt at beating Fernandes when on the ball—which resulted in a turnover of possession that saw Rashford almost score—it is no coincidence that Jorginho’s introduction into the team has yielded back to back clean sheets.

Despite a lack of agility or pace, the Italian’s replacement of Kovacic provides an anchor at the base of Chelsea’s midfield, allowing for the attack, in theory, to flourish without fear of exposing the team to a counterattack if and when it cedes possession. Having held up his side of the bargain in the 0-0 draw, the 28-year-old most certainly cannot be faulted for Chelsea’s misfiring attack.