Why Thomas Tuchel argued with Christian Pulisic as Chelsea return to Champions League formula

It was at the weekend that news emerged that Antonio Rudiger had opted to leave Chelsea when his contract comes to an end in the summer. Yet with the centre-back ruled out of Sunday's game against West Ham United due to injury, Thomas Tuchel had to wait until the trip to Old Trafford to discover that decision would impact the 29-year-old's performance.

"I’m maybe as curious as you are but I have no reason to doubt," the Blues head coach said ahead of the game. "He has cleared up his personal situation and we know what’s going on so this should normally give him a peaceful mindset to perform on the level that he demands from himself and that we demand."

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Rudiger, who was well-supported by the travelling Chelsea fans throughout the 1-1 draw, took his customary spot on the left of the Chelsea back three and was his usual reliable presence in the opening period. There was one exquisite pass played over the Manchester United defence for Timo Werner, a shot on goal from distance that comfortably cleared the crossbar, and a tough challenge on Cristiano Ronaldo that led to a verbal exchange between the pair.

It was more of the same from Tuchel's "aggressive leader" in the second half and he made sure to get involved, albeit belatedly, in the confrontation between Reece James and Nemanja Matic. Rudiger was also booked lack on for a cynical but very important foul on Juan Mata and then caught Anthony Elanga high after challenging for the ball. He thankfully escaped a second yellow.

The clock is now very much ticking on Rudiger's Chelsea career. He will play a maximum of six more matches for the Blues before departing the club and,