Manchester United will look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League on Sunday when they travel to Stamford Bridge to play league leaders Chelsea.
The Red Devils are in a dismal run of form, winning just once in their last seven league games. They were humbled 4-1 by Watford at Vicarage Road last weekend which resulted in the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Michael Carrick has been tasked with leading the team on a temporary basis and he will hope the midweek Champions League victory over Villarreal—that guaranteed a top spot in the group F for the Red Devils—gives the boys some confidence ahead of the daunting trip to west London.
Manchester United Team News
Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire is ruled out through suspension, following his sending off at Watford last weekend.
Fred twisted his ankle at Villarreal but played on, after receiving treatment, although the minuscule Brazilian midfielder is a doubt, along with Luke Shaw, who had suffered a head injury at Watford and didn’t travel to Spain for the Champions League fixture against Villarreal. Mason Greenwood remains doubtful as well having tested positive for Covid-19 last week.
Edinson Cavani is lacking match fitness, while Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba remain unavailable.
Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
David de Gea has been in good form this season but has been continually led down by the defenders. After playing a crucial role in the Reds’ 2-0 victory over Villarreal, the Spaniard will be in an upbeat mood to face the Pensioners.
Defence
Man United have been all over the place defensively over the last two months. A clean sheet against Villarreal should give the team some confidence heading into the Chelsea game.
With Maguire suspended and Varane unavailable due to injury, Eric Bailly is set for a start. The Ivorian will partner Victor Lindelof in central defence, and the duo need to be at their sublime best to keep an irresistible Chelsea attack at bay.
Despite a series of underwhelming displays, Aaron Wan-Bissaka should retain his place at right-back. Luke Shaw could also be recalled into the starting XI after sitting out the Villarreal game as a precautionary measure following the left-back’s head injury at Watford.
Midfield
If Fred isn’t deemed fit to start, Nemanja Matic could come in alongside Scott McTominay in the middle of the park and offer the leaky Man United backline the protection they need.
Bruno Fernandes changed the course of the game when coming on as a substitute at Villarreal and will likely start in his preferred no.10 role, meaning Donny Van de Beek drops out of Carrick’s starting XI.
Attack
Jadon Sancho’s great goalscoring performance in the midweek Champions League game should guarantee him a starting berth against Tuchel’s side. Marcus Rashford could be recalled into the starting XI after Anthony Martial failed to repay Carrick’s faith against Villarreal.
In such a big game and against a top-quality side, Man United will once again pin their hopes on Cristiano Ronaldo to deliver the goods. He is a definite starter up top, as the Red Devils look to stun an in-form Chelsea side at Stamford Bridge.
