United rescued by reliant Robin

Manchester United 1 Chelsea 1

Trailing to Didier Drogba’s first league goal for Chelsea in two and half years, United appeared on the way to another demoralising defeat, and their visitors to a victory that would have moved them six points clear at the top of the Premier League, eight points above defending champions Manchester City.

But Branislav Ivanovic tripped Angel Di Maria near the left-hand corner flag, harshly earning his second yellow card and a dismissal in the process, and United were gifted one last lifeline.