Manchester United take on Chelsea this afternoon at Old Trafford knowing a win could lift them level on points with their opponents, out of the top four on goal difference only. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer saw an improvement in effort on Wednesday evening against Manchester City, but how many of those players will keep their place ahead of today’s game?
Ali Akbar
Although I’d like to see Diogo Dalot given more game time at right-back, Ashley Young’s experience will be needed in order to keep Eden Hazard quiet.
The midfield three of Andreas Pereira, Fred and Paul Pogba worked relatively well against City, as Fred’s ability to win the ball back at defensive midfield saved United countless times.
Romelu Lukaku should not have been dropped against City, as when he came on, he held the ball up much better than Marcus Rashford did, so he deserves to start up-top against his former club.
Although Anthony Martial scored two goals against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, he has been woeful in front of goal in recent games, so Alexis Sanchez deserves a chance at left-wing.
David de Gea
Ashley Young, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw
Andreas Pereira, Fred, Paul Pogba
Marcus Rashford, Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez
Ollie Slack
David de Gea will not be heading into this weekend’s match with as little confidence as he would have for some time. Therefore, it is important experienced men are around him to in order to keep protect him as much as possible.
From what we’ve seen so far, Dalot would struggle to handle a quality individual like Hazard, therefore Young starts despite having a dip in form over recent weeks.
Scott McTominay returns to the squad to face Chelsea and in my view comes straight back into the starting XI. The Scot has been United’s best player of late and, unless injured, did not deserve to miss out against City.
Ander Herrera is in the squad for this afternoon’s game, however, if the speculation about him signing for PSG is true, then there is no way he should come into the starting XI.
United caused Manchester City more problems than most teams on Wednesday evening. This was down to the energy and high press Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford provided the team. They should both start this afternoon, as should Alexis Sanchez who needs to be given another chance to prove his worth prior to the end of the season.
David de Gea
Ashley Young, Chris Smalling, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw
Scott McTominay, Fred, Paul Pogba
Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford, Alexis Sanchez