United had controlled the opening half for long periods, but they went in at the break behind after Jonny Evans turned Danel Sturridge’s cross into the Red Devils net.

Chelsea started the second-half with a bang. Juan Mata made it 2-0 only 24 seconds after the re-start as he met Fernando Torres’ beautiful cross with an emphatic finish.

The win looked in the bag for the Blues only minutes later as David Luiz’s header, helped on by Rio Ferdinand, handed the hosts a three goal advantage.

However, in typical United fashion, the Red Devils staged a jaw-dropping comeback which delivered a statement of intent to fierce rivals and league leaders City.

Two superb penalties from Rooney brought the visitors right back into the game.Firstly, the England forward smashed the ball into the roof of the net after Sturridge fouled Patrice Evra, before switching sides with a low penalty after Branislav Ivanovic tripped Danny Welbeck.

Chelsea should have ended United’s fightback when Torres spurned a great chance, but United took advantage of the Spaniard’s wastefulness when Hernandez nodded home Ryan Giggs’ floating cross from only yards out.

There was almost time for Chelsea to snatch victory at the end – but David De Gea pulled off a handful of excellent, morale-boosting saves, including a brilliant stop from a Mata free-kick.

Full Time – Chelsea 3-3 Manchester United
Attendance – 41,668

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