Half-time: Chelsea 0 Man Utd 0 – Blues recover after sluggish start

Chelsea made a sluggish start at Stamford Bridge, where Manchester United were on top before the hosts began to create openings.

Thibaut Courtois was called upon twice in the opening 15 minutes, comfortably gathering low-range efforts from Cameron Borthwich-Jackson and Michael Carrick.

Blues keeper Courtois then produced a fine save, diving to his left to push away Anthony Martial’s curling shot.

Chelsea skipper John Terry was given a predictably rousing reception on his first appearance at the Bridge since announcing that he is not being offered a new contract and will leave when his current deal expires at the end of the season.

There was nothing rousing about the home team’s start, but midway through the half they suddenly clicked into gear.

Nemanja Matic’s header from Willian’s right-wing corner was saved by United keeper David De Gea, and Diego Costa fired narrowly wide after being put through by Oscar’s clever through-ball.

Oscar then had two chances in quick succession, but he shot over after exchanging passes with Cesar Azpilicueta and was just unable to connect with Willian’s low cross.

And in the final seconds of the half, Chelsea felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Willian sent the ball in from the right and Daley Blind blocked Terry’s shot with his arm.