Manchester United and Swansea City have faced each other twice this season and the results have been in the favour of the Red Devils both times. However, this time, Jose Mourinho’s team will come with the wounds of the Champions League exit quite fresh. Despite Carlos Carvalhal’s apparent fondness of his compatriot, United will be desperate to win this match to ward off any doubts over their ‘winning mentality’. Without further ado, here we look at the three key player battles between the two teams, which will have a huge impact on the game.
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Andre Ayew VS Eric Bailly:
Jordon Ayew will be serving his three-match suspension and hence the often favoured forward will be unavailable for this match. Hence, Andre Ayew will lead the forward line for the Swans against United. Ayew rejoined his former team from West Ham in the January transfer window and has taken his own time to adapt to the new surroundings.
Ayew is capable of scoring and chipping in with valuable goals. However, his off the ball work makes him important for the team too. He often tries to disrupt the opposition by breaking the midfield and defensive lines with his intelligent movement. Eric Bailly will be up against him and it would make up for a good duel in the match. It remains to be seen how Ayew copes with the brutal physicality coupled with the intelligent defending of Eric Bailly.
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Romelu Lukaku vs Alfie Mawson:
Alfie Mawson has been extremely impressive for Swansea recently as the defender’s exploits earned him a national team call-up for the recent set of friendly matches. Mawson is a strong defender and does not fear putting his body on the line to win his duels. He holds an edge in aerial battles and cramps the forwards for room with brute force and brilliant positioning.
Romelu Lukaku has been in impressive form lately as the Belgian seems to have improved his finishing and hence his consistency. He has used his physicality to bully the defenders but it would be difficult to do the same to Mawson and hence it makes up for a crucial clash in the match.
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Sam Clucas vs Paul Pogba:
Both Sam Clucas and Paul Pogba are the primary creative outlets for their respective teams. Clucas, in particular, has been extremely impressive at the centre of the park with his ability to create chances whilst also defending astutely to thoroughly justify his box-to-box role.
On the other hand, Pogba has endured a tough time in the last couple of months for United. However, the Frenchman was decisive in the game against Russia for France and would hope to be at his best on the field against the Swans. This particular midfield battle will have a huge bearing on the proceedings.