Reece James is a wing-back
End of story. None of the edging 55% towards James being a wing-back and 45% towards being part of Chelsea's back three. He is a wing-back. If his six goals and seven assists over the course of the season were not telling enough of his contributions from the right flank, then his match-leading 112 touches perhaps should be.
The former Wigan loanee put in tantalising deliveries again and again, menacingly across the six-yard line, and was rampant up and down the right side. Thomas Tuchel has been able to call upon fine replacements in the form of Cesar Azpilicueta and Ruben Loftus-Cheek but the difference his first choice selection makes is telling.
Of course, James is capable of playing on the right side of a back three but if that is seen as necessary then it `becomes necessary to find a player who could bring the qualities James does to that role - so the 22-year-old can thrive on the flank. With more defenders set to leave in the summer, it might need to be a busy one for the Blues.
READ MORE: Chelsea player ratings vs Manchester United: Reece James shines as Cristiano Ronaldo earns draw
Home and Away
It would be fair to say there was an edge in the Old Trafford crowd among the home fans. Protests towards the Glazer's ownership took place ahead of the game with a banner being raised saying 'Glazers Out'. Some supporters could even be seen entering the stands 17 minutes into the match, as a reflection of the number of years the American family have being in charge of the Red Devils.
Chelsea's fans helped fill the gap they were duly obliged to produce a lively atmosphere that was in stark contrast to what Stamford Bridge was home to against West Ham. Songs of affection were sung towards Timo Werner and Thiago Silva in addition to Tuchel.
The intention of supporters was different and the intention of the team was different from the off with Chelsea unafraid to try and expose the spaces Manchester United were leaving. Even Tuchel was immediately on the edge of his technical area, whereas he was stuck to his seat in the dugout at Stamford Bridge - a rare sight.
Sunday saw a flat display and the crowd showed little energy until the second half. With tickets unable to be sold to pack the stadium out, an uncertain ownership situation and in all likelihood little to play for outside of the FA Cup final it is easy to see how the combination could result in a tired atmosphere.
The display at Old Trafford showed it did not have to be like that, and that the performance is a lot more enjoyable when the crowd and players can come together with enthusiasm. Tuchel said in his press conference believes the edge in the North West impacted the opposition.
He said: "Yeah, but not for us, for the opponent. It didn't affect us in our game, it didn’t make it easier for Manchester United. We have our own things around us and our own situation to stay focused and again we were very focused and spot on and that is what we have to concentrate on and continue doing."
As professionals, it's important players perform regardless of the surroundings but it serves an important reminder of the impact a crowd can have.
N'Golo Kante threatening to return?
As highlights of the draw between Chelsea and Manchester United are broadcast around the world, it would be easy to deem N'Golo Kante at fault for the goal the Blues conceded. Indeed, the Frenchman gave the ball away twice and Cristiano Ronaldo was able to capitalise but, on the whole, this was not the Kante who has struggled in recent weeks.
From the first minutes, the Frenchman was buzzing around collecting and distributing the ball in what was an accomplished offensive performance. Twice in the opening half, Kante slotted Kai Havertz through for good chances, but the German forward was unable to capitalise. Fine margins can easily dictate how a performance is viewed.
It's not like Kante was bad defensively either, with only James producing more tackles over the course of 90 minutes, despite being replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek. It was somewhat surprising to see Jorginho stay on the pitch instead of the World Cup winner.
The 31-year-old has not had a perfect season and when the summer arrives will have one year left on his deal. Recent form might persuade some that the end is nigh. Despite his error, he served Tuchel and the new owners a reminder that deciding what to do next will not be an easy decision, however. Chelsea's final six games could go a long way in setting the tone for the direction of the careers of Kante and Jorginho, particularly with Mateo Kovacic's current injury absence.
