David Moyes was left bemoaning a lack of attacking creativity last night as Manchester United struggled to a goalless draw against title rivals Chelsea.
The Scot had assembled a Reds line-up with intent, including a strike force of Danny Welbeck, Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney – making his first start under the new manager.
Through all their best efforts, United proved unimaginative going forward with van Persie isolated up front and Rooney reduced to hopeful long-range efforts that barely tested Petr Cech’s hands.
“Maybe we lacked a bit of cutting edge with our final pass and final cross,” Moyes admitted to Sky Sports.
“We did everything we could and just lacked a ball to get Robin van Persie or Wayne Rooney the chance to score.”
United’s midfield of Tom Cleverley and Michael Carrick proved unable to unlock the Chelsea back line.
Only six passes successfully made it into Chelea’s penalty area throughout the entire 90 minutes, reducing van Persie to a handful of half-chances.
Referee Martin Atkinson scuppered United’s best chance of breaking the deadlock, waving away Cleverley’s claims for a penalty after his attempt on goal appeared to strike the hand of Chelsea’s Frank Lampard from close range.
“I thought his hands were up and it could have been given – you’ve seen them given. But you get some and others you don’t,” Cleverley told MUTV after the match.
After witnessing his side’s first goalless draw at Old Trafford in the Premier League since 2009, Moyes will be hoping United can muster more going forward when they meet fierce rivals Liverpool next Sunday.
Image courtesy of Sky Sports, with thanks.
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