Moisés Caicedo's blistering second-half strike canceled out a penalty from Bruno Fernandes as Chelsea salvaged a 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday, spoiling United's celebrations in their first Premier League game since the sacking of manager Erik ten Hag.

Chelsea are fourth in the table on 18 points while United, who had interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy in the dugout, are 13th on 12 points after 10 games.

United's captain Fernandes scored from the spot in the 70th minute after Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez caught Rasmus Højlund's foot when diving for the ball. Fernandes sent Sanchez the wrong way, prompting a delighted Van Nistelrooy to leap in the air in celebration.

But the mood in Old Trafford swiftly shifted four minutes later when Casemiro failed to fully clear Chelsea's corner, leaving Caicedo to fire a low volley that André Onana managed to just get a hand on, though he could not stop it sailing into the bottom corner.

"It was the chance to score a goal. I did it. I'm so happy," Caicedo told BBC Sport.

"We knew if we waited for a long time [to equalise] it was going to be complicated. I'm so happy to equalise.

"We deserved to win. We knew it would be a tough game but we were prepared for it. I'm so happy for the team. It was a great fight."

Ten Hag was sacked on Monday with United languishing in 14th in the Premier League. Ruben Amorim was named as his replacement on Friday and will arrive at the club on Nov. 11.

The game started at a tepid pace, lacking the intensity and excitement often associated with a clash between these two Premier League giants. Both sides struggled to find their rhythm and create clear-cut chances. Chelsea's Noni Madueke, early in the game, had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock but his header from close range crashed against the post. On the other end, Marcus Rashford almost put United ahead, but his side-footed volley in the first half hit the crossbar.

The second half brought a glimmer of hope for the home side, as Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty in the 70th minute, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Old Trafford faithful. However, their joy was short-lived. The tie was levelled just four minutes later by a goal from the man who has emerged as one of Chelsea's most important players: Moisés Caicedo.

Caicedo's goal, a powerful volley from the edge of the box, sent a wave of despair through the stands. It was a stunning strike, showcasing Caicedo's technical ability and composure under pressure. The Ecuadorian midfielder, who joined Chelsea for a record £115m fee, has already begun to justify his price tag, proving to be a vital cog in Chelsea's midfield. Caicedo's performances have earned him widespread praise, with pundits and fans alike recognizing his importance to Chelsea's style of play.

While the draw leaves Manchester United in a precarious position, Chelsea's performance suggested they are on the right track under new coach Enzo Maresca. Maresca's philosophy is based on possession-based football and intricate passing sequences, and the Blues showcased this approach against United, exhibiting a level of control and organization that was noticeably absent from their previous performances.

Chelsea's Passing Dominance

Despite their dominance in possession, Chelsea struggled to break down United's defence. Despite creating several good chances, they often lacked the final pass or the decisive touch in front of goal. This was a common theme throughout the match, with Chelsea players often opting for an extra pass when a shot would have been a more effective option. Despite this, Chelsea demonstrated a clear tactical identity under Maresca, showcasing a more cohesive and organized approach to the game.

Manchester United's Struggles

Manchester United, meanwhile, continue to struggle in the absence of their star striker, Rasmus Højlund. Højlund, signed from Atalanta in the summer, has yet to make a significant impact due to injuries. His absence was felt during the game, as United lacked a focal point in attack.

Bruno Fernandes's penalty was a rare moment of creativity for the home side, but they struggled to create further chances. United's inability to create clear-cut scoring opportunities underscores their need for a prolific goalscorer. Their reliance on individual brilliance rather than collective creativity has hampered their performances this season.

Van Nistelrooy's Interim Reign

Ruud van Nistelrooy, United's interim manager, is under pressure to deliver results during his short tenure. Despite his experience and passion, he faces a difficult task in guiding the club through this transitional period. The arrival of Ruben Amorim in November will mark a new era for Manchester United, and Van Nistelrooy will be hoping to leave a positive impression in the meantime.

A Draw With Implications

The draw at Old Trafford leaves both clubs in a difficult position. For Manchester United, it is another frustrating result in a season that has been fraught with challenges. For Chelsea, it is a missed opportunity to climb further up the table. While the Blues' performance offered a glimmer of hope, their inability to capitalise on their dominance leaves much to be desired.

What's Next?

Manchester United's next challenge comes in the form of a crucial encounter against Liverpool at Anfield next weekend. Chelsea will be aiming to bounce back from this draw in a home fixture against West Ham.

This match served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing both Manchester United and Chelsea. The Blues are still adapting to Maresca's system, while Manchester United continue to grapple with their struggles in attack. As both clubs strive to return to their former glory, this game will be remembered as a turning point, a moment that showcased the strengths and weaknesses of these two Premier League titans.