Manchester United will have to head to Stamford Bridge if they are to progress in the FA Cup after Chelsea fought back to earn a replay after a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford.
Manchester United vs. Chelsea: Final score 2-2, Blues hit back to take United to a replay
Chelsea completed an unlikely comeback after going 2-0 down at Old Trafford, and the two sides will now meet in a replay at Stamford Bridge.
Alex Livesey
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Manchester United came flying out of the traps as they sought to right the wrongs of their Champions League exit, and it didn't take long before they found a way past a shaky-looking Chelsea backline. Michael Carrick's long lofted pass was met by Javier Hernandez, who took advantage of Petr Cech coming off his line with a fantastic header, looping the ball over him and inside the far post from a tight angle.
Chelsea barely had time to regroup before they found themselves two behind. Wayne Rooney's free-kick from the left-hand side appeared to be aimed at teammates rushing into the box, but eluded everybody and curled into the bottom far corner with Cech less-than-impressive once again. Chelsea's woes were such that Cech did have a chance to redeem himself afterwards by pulling off a good save... from David Luiz, after the Brazilian almost put it through his own net.
United appeared to take their foot off the accelerator, and Chelsea grew in confidence towards the end of the half. Nani then disappeared down the tunnel with a minor injury, being replaced by Antonio Valencia before the half-time whistle sounded.
The second half continued as the end of the last had, with United looking increasingly sloppy in possession and Chelsea growing in confidence. It wasn't a huge surprise, therefore, to see the visitors claim the next goal, Eden Hazard being brought on and he took advantage of a lack of pressure to smash a brilliant left-footed shot past David de Gea.
Alex Ferguson reacted by introducing Robin van Persie into the fray, but there was no immediate benefit -- Chelsea were level not long afterwards. Eden Hazard was once again responsible, finding Ramires, who jinked his way past Jonny Evans before beating David de Gea to complete an unlikely comeback.
Chelsea had a superb chance to win the game late on after Juan Mata received the ball in the area and cut inside on his left foot, but David de Gea pulled off a mindblowing save to just divert the ball past the post, and United survived to fight another day. Their task will be harder at Stamford Bridge, but after coasting once taking a 2-0 lead, they only have themselves to blame. Chelsea are now in a good position to progress.
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