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Manchester United vs. Chelsea Preview: The Red Devils begin Premier League life without Erik ten Hag!

Photo of Nicky Nicky02/11/2024 - 07:15 am
Manchester United vs Chelsea
(Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)

The Premier League spotlight swings back to Old Trafford, where Manchester United will embark on their post-Erik ten Hag journey in a high-stakes clash with Chelsea. It’s been a turbulent few weeks for the Red Devils, with their underwhelming league form leading to Ten Hag’s exit after a demoralizing 2-1 defeat to West Ham last weekend. Into the hot seat steps Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United striker, who took charge on an interim basis, will stay on for the club’s next three fixtures, until the newly appointed head coach Ruben Amorim moves to Old Trafford from Sporting on 11 November.

In his first game in charge, Van Nistelrooy guided United to a stunning 5-2 EFL Cup rout over Leicester, with Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Alejandro Garnacho each playing starring roles in the statement win. There’s hope that his interim tenure might ignite United’s stagnant league form and inject a sharper edge to their attacking play.

On the other hand, Chelsea have hit their stride under Enzo Maresca, who has transformed the Blues into a team with purpose and poise. Maresca’s men sit fifth in the league, spurred by Cole Palmer’s eye-catching creativity and an impressive run of away form. Though a rotated Chelsea side was outmatched by Newcastle in the EFL Cup midweek, few fans are sweating over that exit with the team’s Europa Conference League and league campaigns in promising shape. Maresca’s single away defeat in the league adds confidence as the Blues approach a stadium where recent battles have offered high drama. With two clubs at pivotal junctures, Sunday’s showdown promises to be a contest of fresh starts and renewed ambitions.

Team News

Manchester United

Manchester United’s treatment room remains heavily occupied, with eight players sidelined ahead of Sunday’s clash with Chelsea. Antony (ankle), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Harry Maguire (calf), Mason Mount (knock), Luke Shaw (calf), Leny Yoro (foot), and Kobbie Mainoo (thigh) are all confirmed absentees, with no hint of a return this weekend.

Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen’s late withdrawal from the Leicester game due to an unspecified issue leaves him as a potential doubt, creating yet another selection dilemma for the interim coach. Despite these challenges, wholesale changes aren’t expected following their recent EFL Cup win. However, fresh legs could see Noussair Mazraoui and Rasmus Hojlund push for starting roles over Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee, while Andre Onana is set to reclaim his position between the posts from Altay Bayindir.

Antony of Manchester United is injured
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Chelsea

Chelsea head into Sunday’s showdown at Old Trafford with a significantly lighter injury load. Only one player—youngster Omari Kellyman—remains sidelined due to a lingering hamstring issue, with no clear timeline for his return. Maresca is expected to shake things up after the Blues’ midweek defeat to Newcastle, aiming to inject energy and fresh thinking into a lineup that left fans and critics unimpressed.

In midfield, Enzo Fernandez’s recent form has come under scrutiny, meaning Romeo Lavia could join Moises Caicedo in the engine room for a dynamic partnership. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho’s absence continues; due to his loan terms, he’s ineligible to face his parent club, so Pedro Neto should retain his spot on the left, reinforcing Chelsea’s attacking options with his quickness and creativity.

Reece James is fit to play against Manchester United
(Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Key Players

Manchester United – Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United’s creative linchpin, is poised for a resurgence under interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy. After netting his first two goals of the season in the midweek triumph over Leicester, Fernandes appears ready to reclaim his influential role.

His vision and playmaking prowess were unparalleled in the 2023/24 Premier League season, where he led the league with 114 chances created. With a fresh managerial approach, Fernandes is expected to reignite his form, orchestrating United’s attacks and providing the creative spark needed to elevate their offensive play.

Chelsea – Cole Palmer

Since joining Chelsea in September 2023, Cole Palmer has rapidly established himself as a key contributor to the Blues’ attacking force. His tally of 16 assists since his debut matches that of Bukayo Saka, highlighting his exceptional playmaking abilities.

This season, Palmer has been in scintillating form, recording seven goals and five assists in just nine Premier League appearances. His consistent performances and knack for unlocking defenses make him a player to watch, as he continues to enhance Chelsea’s offensive dynamics with his creativity and goal-scoring prowess.

Key Statistics

  • Cole Palmer has contributed directly to 45 goals in his first 42 Premier League appearances for Chelsea (29 goals, 16 assists).
  • For the last six consecutive fixtures between Manchester United and Chelsea, both teams have scored
  • Chelsea are without a clean sheet in seven games
  • Chelsea haven’t won at Old Trafford since 2013, when they won 1-0 against an already title-crowned Manchester United

By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)

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Photo of Nicky Nicky02/11/2024 - 07:15 am