Michael Carrick refuted Gary Neville's theory the incoming interim manager Ralf Rangnick picked Manchester United's team at Chelsea.
With eight minutes to go until kick-off, Neville tweeted: "A lot of people having a go at Michael Carrick for dropping Ronaldo and picking that MDF. I’ve a feeling the incoming manager has picked that team as it’s a huge departure from midweek and what they’ve been doing."
United's approach was actually identical to the 2-0 midweek win at Villarreal as they placed an emphasis on compact defending and stabilising a backline that had conceded 21 goals in 12 Premier League games.
Carrick's defensive approach yielded a creditable 1-1 draw with the league leaders and United took the lead through Jadon Sancho, only for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to concede a penalty that Jorginho converted.
When asked about Neville's pre-match tweet that Rangnick had delegated Carrick to select the side, the caretaker United manager replied: "Nah, that's not the case, no."
The draw leaves United eighth and with just one win in their last eight league games but Carrick has already overseen gradual improvement in his two games in charge.
Carrick might have managed United for the last time as their next fixture is at home to Arsenal on Thursday and Rangnick could be appointed before then.
"As of now, I haven't got any more news for you," Carrick added. "I was purely focused on the game, there was enough in my head to prepare the boys for this. I'm sure I'll be updated and aware and see what happens in the next few days."
