Why Tahith Chong needs to start for Manchester United against Chelsea in the FA Cup

With injuries to both Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial, now is the perfect time for Tahith Chong to make a difference for Manchester United.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s unbeaten run as caretaker manager finally came to end when Manchester United lost 2-0 to Paris-Saint Germain in the Champions League last week.

The first leg of the round of 16 tie could not have gone any worse for United. Not only do PSG have two away goals to take back with them to Paris, but Paul Pogba was also red carded and will miss the second leg and Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial are both out with injury.

These injuries could not have come at a worse time, as the Red Devils face Chelsea in the FA Cup on Monday and Liverpool in the Premier League the following Sunday.

But fear not, United fans, as there is one player who could step up for the team in this difficult run of fixtures: Tahith Chong.

Indeed, the young winger has shone with the reserve team this season, scoring seven goals and registering three assists in all competitions.

Chong has made one appearance in the senior team this campaign when Solskjaer handed him a few minutes in the FA Cup clash against Reading at Old Trafford, which finished 2-0.

Now its time for the interim boss to put faith in the 19-year-old once again by starting him against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

This will be a steep learning curve for Chong but one he’ll have to make sooner or later anyway if he is to establish himself as a first-team player.

So do the right thing Solskjaer and give youth a chance. If Manchester United’s history has anything to teach us, it’s that every once in a while, a star can be born.

Do you agree that Tahith Chong should start for Manchester United against Chelsea? Or is there another academy player you think should get the opportunity instead? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!