What Antonio Rudiger did to Cristiano Ronaldo as Chelsea transfer priority clear vs Man Utd

It was mere moments into Chelsea's draw against Manchester United that Antonio Rudiger reminded the Blues of what they have missed in the previous two matches. The German defender unsurprisingly slotted into Thomas Tuchel's starting XI for the trip to Old Trafford to help secure a defence that had looked leaky against Arsenal and was fairly unchallenged against West Ham.

While the 29-year-old enjoyed his fair share of spectacular long-range efforts, it's the tone he sets on Thiago Silva's left that leaves an imprint on the Club World Cup champions. Minutes into the match Rudiger found himself putting in firm challenges, with even Cristiano Ronaldo not spared the luxury of a tackle on the edge leaving him on the floor.

The Man United star was not awarded a foul and made his feelings known to referee Mike Dean, but Rudiger's body language looked ready for another battle. He backed away from the Portuguese international, seemingly making his feelings clear over a fairly innocuous moment. What could not be mistaken from either player, however, is the intensity and that is what Rudiger has brought in spades over the last 12 months or so.

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"He gives everybody confidence in the dressing room," said Tuchel ahead of the game. "He is a unique character, he is an aggressive leader, he is available over 100% of the matches, like 90% of the matches he is simply available, and he plays on an outstanding level and gives you confidence if you play next to him or around him.

"He takes the focus away from others. He takes responsibility. He loves responsibility. I don't think that anybody likes this decision, but in the moment, we have to