Van Persie smashes equaliser from eight yards
Drogba scored with near-post header
FT: Burnley 1-3 Everton, Spurs 1-2 Newcastle
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Former Wales international Robbie Savage at Old Trafford
BBC Radio 5 live
"Chelsea are going for it, but there have been a lot of set pieces and no real chances. The quality has not been there yet from either side. Neither goalkeeper has had a shot to save."
Bisa Amoo-Gottfried:, external Eden Hazard is gonna have Rafael on toast now, (see 13 mins) until Louis van Gaal subs him or he gets a second yellow.
Nemanja Matic is dropping back alongside John Terry and Gary Cahill when Manchester United get into good positions out wide, bringing a little more aerial security to the Chelsea backline.
They are all big lads back there.
Stephen Foster:, external This is already more exciting in the first five minutes than last season's 90-minute bore draw.
Ellis German: I find the talk (see 16:00) of this Chelsea team being the "New Invincibles" just plain daft. It's the ninth game of the season! Seven months to go. Come on pundits, get a grip.
Rafael climbs onto the tightrope.
The Manchester United right-back tugs back Eden Hazard needlessly and has his name taken by Phil Dowd.
Jose Mourinho's men might target that flank as the game wears on.
Image source, EPALuke Shaw is on his bike again, scampering down the outside of Branislav Ivanovic. The Chelsea defender had to stretch and slide to keep Juan Mata's pass out of his reach.
Image source, EPAFormer Wales international Robbie Savage at Old Trafford
BBC Radio 5 live
"Marouane Fellaini has started the game really well, his fitness levels are really high and he has been getting forward and covering back. He is in the team and deserves to be there. It looks like when Chelsea get the ball Fellaini has been told to mark Cesc Fabregas. That is a good battle to keep your eye on.
"There is a physical presence in both teams, and a willingness to attack, so hopefully we will have a great spectacle."
Luke Shaw has already made plenty of progress down the left for Manchester United, getting forward and clipping a cross into the box that Thibaut Courtois claims in his latest raid.
You know when Jose Mourinho came to Old Trafford with Real Madrid and was so nice and polite about Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson? The home support are not returning the compliment, telling the Chelsea boss to sit down among other, less printable, things.
Image source, AFP/GETTYThese two played out a insomnia-curing 0-0 at Old Trafford last season. This has already had more entertainment in first five minutes.
Daniel Walford:, external Even without Diego Costa, I suspect that Chelsea will run riot this afternoon. Manchester United are just not meeting the standard this season.
Paul Seaton:, external Look at the first 10 for Chelsea, they could have Didier Zokora up front and they'd likely win!
Jerry Elumeze:, external This match is only about three points. The result is not going to define either team's season.
Manchester United break up field through Angel di Maria, and after Marouane Fellaini comes close to connecting with an instinctive backheel flick in the six-yard box, Di Maria volleys over from Juan Mata's cute chipped pass.
It has been rocking and rolling from the start.
Image source, Getty ImagesDidier Drogba wins a free-kick out of a midfield wrestle with Chris Smalling and Oscar gets off the first shot of the game as Marcos Rojo undercooks a clearance straight to a blue shirt. It is over the bar, but only just.
Image source, Getty ImagesManchester United kick us off.
Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal engage in a long, heartfelt hug on their way to their seats. They are eventually prised apart and we are ready to go.
Image source, ReutersFormer Wales international Robbie Savage at Old Trafford
BBC Radio 5 live
"Manchester United could win 4-0 or they could get beat 4-0. Nobody comes to Old Trafford knowing what to expect now. But it will be entertaining and I cannot wait.
"If Chelsea win today they would go 13 points clear of United, which is ridiculous at this stage of the season. Chelsea could go the whole season unbeaten, it will be difficult, but they have already set down a good marker towards it."
Manchester United's fans break into a chorus of a song poking fun at Steven Gerrard, almost to thank the visitors for their decisive win at Anfield in last season's title race.
Then as the teams emerge it is back to hostilities with John Terry's name particularly jeered as it is read out.
Manchester United are first into the Old Trafford tunnel with Dutchmen Robin van Persie and Daley Blind looking relaxed as they share a joke.
Chelsea, led by John Terry, are more stony-faced.
Cesc Fabregas breaks into a big smile though as he spots former Arsenal team-mate Van Persie across the corridor.
Ricky Lee Everett:, external Fear the worst for Manchester United - at least there's no Diego Costa, because that would be carnage. Still might be mind...
Gully:, external Against Arsenal Costa was anonymous until his goal, yet Chelsea still looked so dominant. He's important but he's not that important.
Ben Hibburd:, external Hope Robin van Persie and Juan Mata actually contribute something today. Chris Smalling better step up as well, he's hardly progressed his career.