Football NewsCristiano Ronaldo Saves the Day for the Red Devils With a Goal
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Man United earned a much-needed confidence boost with a goal from Ronaldo as they drew with Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo was brought back to Old Trafford by Manchester United for moments like this. At the Stretford End, a flawless stroke of control was followed by a venomous finish high into the net for goal number 18 of his Premier League season.

The United team that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left to Rangnick in November was a disaster. This is the worst of them all. There was no vigor, no ambition, no shape, and no tactical plan.

United was repeatedly unlocked down their left flank in front of an Old Trafford audience that had become accustomed to watching this nonsense.

Chelsea dominated their opponents from the start, and the game stayed balanced throughout. United’s players appeared to be wishing for the anonymity of some elite summer beach, while Thomas Tuchel’s team appeared to have something left to play for.

The game’s top player was James, with Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante not far behind. However, finding a goal scorer remains a challenge, and Kai Havertz was the man who squandered three first-half chances.

United goalkeeper David de Gea denied the German twice. When Kante played him clear and when a James cross fell on his head, he scored both times. Havertz had another chance when he was unleashed down the right flank by a sweeping Chelsea counter and stabbed a shot into the side netting. With United’s attacking threat essentially non-existent, Kante squandered the other huge chance of the half, shooting into De Gea’s midriff after Jorginho put him up.

Chelsea did eventually score. They had no choice. The second half followed the same pattern as the first. The gap between the teams appeared to be enormous, even embarrassing, and when James’ right-wing cross was touched on by Havertz, Alonso adjusted his feet and weight perfectly to volley back across De Gea and into the far corner.

That seemed like the start of the game. United appeared befuddled, almost unable to respond. They were level in within a minute.

With United’s attacking threat essentially non-existent, Kante squandered the other huge chance of the half, shooting into De Gea’s midriff after Jorginho put him up.

Chelsea lost the ball away twice in their own half, and Ronaldo took advantage when Matic lifted the ball over the top to him. It was a fantastic conclusion.