The 1-0 score line was a flattering to ten-men United. It could have easily been 4 or 5 to Chelsea but for David de Gea in goal. He showed once again why he is one of the best in the business. De Gea again proved why he has been United’s player of the Season for the past three seasons. De Gea always has a knack of making top drawer saves at the Bridge. That reaction save from Gary Cahill from a Chelsea corner is definitely a save of the season contender. This magnificent save came after David tipped over Eden Hazard’s powerful shot over the bar. He was so good that United’s media team posted a short clip in which David shook his finger as if to say ‘Not Today’ on Instagram.
He was easily United’s best player on the field. He stepped up to the task whenever called. He could not have done much more to keep out Kante’s well-placed shot from outside the box. But David time and time again literally put his body on the line and kept United in the game for long durations. He made smart saves against a Cesc Fabregas shot and a Willian belter late in the game as United looked for an unlikely equalizer. That clash of bodies with Diego Costa again shows how good he is in the air, something he was criticized for early in his England career. Credit to Dave for still getting good clearance with the punch.
Other players who played well were Marcus Rashford. Hats off to the lad for playing through illness especially when his team needed him most. He kept running all match long, hassled and harried the Chelsea back-line and was kept out by a magnificent save by Courtois. Jones also put in a solid shift and was one of the better players at man-marking Hazard, a tough assignment even on the Belgian’s off day.