Wayne Rooney has questioned Enzo Maresca’s tactical decision-making after Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford, describing the manager’s choice to withdraw Pedro Neto as “strange.”

The Blues played almost the entire match with 10 men following goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s early red card, but Rooney argued that Chelsea still lacked creativity even after United were also reduced to 10 men before halftime.

Early decisions criticised

After Sanchez’s dismissal for fouling Bryan Mbeumo, Maresca immediately substituted Estevao for replacement goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.

Moments later, Neto was withdrawn for Tosin Adarabioyo in another defensive reshuffle.

That left Chelsea short of attacking options, and the situation worsened when Cole Palmer was forced off with a groin issue in the 19th minute.

Former midfielder Danny Murphy also criticised the choices, saying they limited Chelsea’s ability to threaten United on the counter.

“Neto and Cole Palmer coming off was a really negative move,” Murphy told BBC’s Match of the Day. “Maybe he should’ve taken Palmer off earlier and left Neto on for his pace.”

Rooney: Chelsea lacked urgency

Rooney felt Chelsea never made the most of their numerical advantage after Casemiro’s dismissal before the interval.

“They had all the imagination on the pitch, and I felt that is what was missing,” the former United captain said. “They had a lot of possession going side to side, but they missed that creativity which Neto or Cole Palmer could bring.”

According to Rooney, Chelsea’s play lacked drive in the second half. “It was just slow, side to side. Yes, the weather was poor, but if you’re a Chelsea fan you want to see more urgency,” he added.

United secure vital win

United had gone 2-0 up through Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro before the Brazilian saw red. Chelsea reduced the deficit late through Trevoh Chalobah, but the visitors could not find an equaliser.

The result leaves Chelsea losing an important point in fight for the top spot, with Maresca’s tactical decision coming under scrutiny once again.