Casemiro became Manchester United’s stoppage-time hero after he jumped high to head a cross into the back of the net, even with Kepa in the post.
The Brazil international scored his first goal for his new club in a 1-1 draw that keeps Erik ten Hag’s side a point behind the Blues in the Premier League table.
Manchester United visited Stamford Bridge, with the hopes of getting into the fourth position, and a point behind Tottenham, but neither side could take the lead.
A somewhat wasteful Marcus Rashford was twice denied by Kepa, while Antony was always firing wide. Luke Shaw also came close early in the game, but his shot was wide.
There was no Ronaldo to rescue United this time, with the forward dropped from the squad, so instead it was left to his former Real Madrid team-mate to save the day.
Ronaldo had been punished after he was seen walking into the dressing room before the match ended. He also refused to come on as a substitute and it did not sit well with Ten Hag.
He made it clear that Ronaldo would not be traveling with the team for Chelsea’s derby and that he would also train with the under-21 squad.
The Red Devils went 1-0 down in the 87th minute when Jorginho scored from the penalty spot after substitute Scott McTominay had clumsily fouled Armando Broja.
Then just before the end of Injury time, Casemiro made sure United had at least one point to go home with.
Jadon Sancho put in another underwhelming performance for United and only lasted 51 minutes at Stamford Bridge.
Sancho only has eight goals in 52 games in all competitions in a red shirt so far, a disappointing return for a player who cost £73m.
Raphael Varane was enjoying another smooth performance for United before disaster struck when he caught his studs in the turf and went down in agony.