Manchester United versus Chelsea used to define titles but on Monday it was more like a mid-table clash

Manchester United were held to a goalless draw by Chelsea at old Trafford
This game used to define league titles but it was more like mid-table battle
Pedro has been a disappointment since joining Chelsea from Barcelona
David de Gea and Thibaut Courtois were both brilliant for their teams
Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be given chance to shine under Guus Giddink

Published:
22:32 GMT, 28 December 2015

|
Updated:
02:17 GMT, 29 December 2015

View
comments

Manchester United were held to a goalless draw by Chelsea at Old Trafford as the Red Devils winless run extended to six Premier League games and eight in all competitions.

Sportsmail’s Jamie Redkanpp offers his expert analysis as two of English football’s giants continue to struggle this season.

Ander Herrera passed up the best chance of the match for Manchester United during draw with Chelsea

Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic skewed horribly wide and over when presented with a golden opportunity

HOW TIMES CHANGE

In years gone by this would have been a match to define the title race. On Monday it was more like a mid-table battle. I am disappointed by the negativity of United and Chelsea this season.

Louis van Gaal is fighting for his life but made negative substitutions and Guus Hiddink turned up without a striker. Injuries and Diego Costa’s suspension did not help but Chelsea are playing catch-up. They need to show more.

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is fighting for his life but he made negative substitutions

Chelsea started the match without a recognised striker as Eden Hazard led the line for the visitors

POOR FROM PEDRO

When Pedro arrived at Chelsea, I thought they had done a brilliant piece of business to pinch him from under United’s nose. Since scoring on his debut he’s been a real disappointment. He has had a fantastic career and he has the trophies to prove it but there has been so little end product. He had a decent shot saved by David de Gea but too often he’s been flat. He’s like a bottle of pop that’s lost its fizz.

Chelsea midfielder Pedro (right) has struggled to make an impact since arriving from Barcelona in the summer

GOALKEEPING GREATS

We saw some outstanding saves from both goalkeepers and Thibaut Courtois and David de Gea are the two best keepers in the league — it’s tough to choose between them. If I was Real Madrid boss I’d probably prefer De Gea but in England Courtois gets the nod because he collects crosses so well and offers that bit more presence.

Thibaut Courtois was in fine form – pictured saving at point blank range from United midfielder Herrera

Manchester united had David de Gea to thank for keeping their clean sheet intact with a number of saves

CHANCE TO SHINE

Ruben Loftus-Cheek might have only played for a few minutes but it was a ray of light for Chelsea. This is a great chance for people like him — Hiddink is under less pressure so can afford to give young players a chance. It’s about time some of those academy graduates made it into the first team.