Manchester United vs. Chelsea: 5 Things We Learned at Old Trafford

Manchester United maintained their 100 percent start to the 2011-12 Premier League season with a 3-1 defeat of Chelsea at Old Trafford.

United went ahead through a Chris Smalling header, with Nani adding a spectacular second and Wayne Rooney tapping home on the stroke of halftime to make it 3-0 at the break.

Fernando Torres ended his goal drought with a fine finish to pull it back to 3-1, but the £50 million man later missed an open goal with a great chance to make it 3-2.

Rooney also had an embarrassing moment, falling over as he sliced a penalty wide in the 56th minute.

Here are five things we learned at Old Trafford.

1. Torres Is Getting Closer

All the attention will focus on his terrible miss late on, but that shouldn't detract from a good performance from Fernando Torres.

The Chelsea striker showed good movement and appeared to have regained some of his old confidence. There was more than enough evidence at Old Trafford that El Nino could yet revisit his former glories.

2. Jones Is Worthy of the Hype

Phil Jones has been mightily impressive since arriving at United from Blackburn. The young defender demonstrated his maturity at Old Trafford with a big game against big-time opposition.

Jones has been tipped as a future England captain, and on this evidence, his barnstorming performances for the Reds this season is a question of when, not if.

3, Lampard's Days Are Numbered

Frank Lampard struggled to make an impact at Old Trafford and was substituted at halftime to make way for Nicolas Anelka.

Lampard may have been carrying an injury, but it's the not the first time this season he's looked a little off the pace.

With Anelka in his place, Chelsea suddenly became a more dynamic and dangerous attacking force. That tells you all you need to know.

4. De Gea vs. Lindegaard Is TBD

David De Gea made a couple of smart saves, but once again, had a dicey moment under a high ball at Old Trafford.

The United faithful are firmly behind him, but Sir Alex Ferguson must surely be worried about the mistake that costs his team three points in the future.

Anders Lindegaard impressed against Benfica and is putting some real pressure on De Gea now.

5. Rooney Set for Career-Defining Season

Rooney's afternoon was marred slightly by his penalty miss, but a comedy fall couldn't take away from what was yet another dazzling display.

Rooney has nine Premier League goals already this season and appears to be relishing every game he plays in.

Unless injury intervenes, he's set for a career-defining season that will bring him a host of awards next May.