The cautious game plan, with Cristiano Ronaldo dropped to the bench, worked for Manchester United.
Hitting Chelsea on the counterattack, with Jadon Sancho scoring his first Premier League goal, and grabbing a point is the type of damage limitation-mode United is in this season.
Snatching a 1-1 draw on Sunday — after home humiliations to Liverpool and Manchester City in the fading embers of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign — gives Ralf Rangnick a platform to build on.
The German is yet to officially take charge — with a post-Brexit work permit still to be secured — but this could well be Michael Carrick’s final act as interim caretaker manager.
The disappointment for United will be not holding onto the lead after Aaron Wan-Bissaka caught the back of Thiago Silva’s heel when clearing the ball. Jorginho equalized from a penalty in the 69th minute — a day before the Italian discovers if he has won the Ballon d’Or.
Jorginho had been at fault for the United goal in the 50th minute. Mis-controlling a clearance from United midfielder Bruno Fernandes’ hooked long ball allowed Jadon Sancho to seize possession.