Mauricio Pochettino’s side came up short at Old Trafford as their forwards went missing while their defence were torn apart

Chelsea’s hopes of finally kickstarting their season were dealt a blow on Wednesday as they went down 2-1 to Manchester United in a sloppy performance that underlined their inconsistency under Mauricio Pochettino.

The Blues started slowly, and were indebted to Robert Sanchez for his early penalty save from Bruno Fernandes after Enzo Fernandez fouled Antony in the box. However, the goalkeeper was helpless to prevent Scott McTominay from giving the hosts the lead midway through the first half.

Chelsea eventually fought their way into the game, and after Nicolas Jackson and Mykhailo Mudryk wasted good chances, Cole Palmer grabbed an equaliser shortly before half-time with a fine hooked finish into the bottom corner.

The visitors were unable to kick on from there, however, and United eventually made their superiority count as McTominay headed in his second of the game with just over 20 minutes to play to condemn Chelsea to a defeat that leaves them 10th in the Premier League table.

GOAL rates Chelsea’s players from Old Trafford…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Robert Sanchez (7/10):

Kept Chelsea in it in the first half with his penalty save and superb double-stop to deny McTominay, among others. Had no chance with either goal, but a few poor clearances spoiled an otherwise fine display.

Marc Cucurella (5/10):

Struggled early after being deployed at right-back, but looked to be fighting back in his battle with Garnacho late in the first half, only to be substituted at the break.

Axel Disasi (4/10):

Far too sloppy in possession, especially on the edge of his own box. Constantly put his team-mates under pressure with ill-advised passes.

Thiago Silva (5/10):

Tried to marshal the Blues’ backline but too often beaten by United’s attackers when drawn out. Looked his age.

Levi Colwill (5/10):

Handed the captain’s armband and grew into the game in the first half after a tough start up against Antony. Went down too easily as McTominay brushed him aside to head in United’s second.

Midfield

Enzo Fernandez (5/10):

Stupid foul on Antony led to United’s penalty. Took time to get up to the speed of the game, and though he showed some nice touches, wasn’t able to dictate as he would have liked.

Moises Caicedo (7/10):

Chelsea’s best outfield player by quite some distance. A composed presence in midfield, but the chaos around him meant it was all for nothing.

Cole Palmer (6/10):

Too loose in possession for much of the first half before scoring a fine equaliser on his return to Manchester. Quiet in the second half as the Blues faded.\

Attack

Raheem Sterling (2/10):

By a distance his worst performance of what has been an encouraging season. Failed to combine with his fellow forwards, with his night summed up by his blatant dive to try win a first-half penalty.

Nicolas Jackson (4/10):

Always willing to get involved, but quality doesn’t match his energy. Gave the ball away in the build-up to United’s first, and missed a good one-on-one chance when Onana saved from him in the first half.

Mykhailo Mudryk (3/10):

Anonymous for much of his 75 minutes on the pitch, and fired wide twice when well placed. Did get the assist for Palmer’s goal, but was his only positive action of note.

Subs & Manager

Reece James (5/10):

Another who didn’t take enough care of the ball, and almost presented a third United goal to Garnacho. Better going forward, but not by much.

Armando Broja (6/10):

Went close with a late header that hit the post after replacing Mudryk.

Mauricio Pochettino (3/10):

Felt like he set his defenders up in the wrong positions, and he failed to find any answers to United’s high-press. Lack of options on the bench did hamstring him somewhat, but his changes weren’t particularly effective.