Solskjaer hints in-form Manchester United star won’t start vs Chelsea

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted that the in-form Manchester United player won’t be in the starting XI against Chelsea.

Manchester United are riding high at the moment. But things can change very quickly in football. The momentum that they have built up for themselves with wins over Newcastle United and Paris Saint-Germain could all be undone if they end up losing at the hands of Chelsea.

The Red Devils’ home form this season has not been great. They lost the first Premier League game of the season at Old Trafford against Crystal Palace. And their next home performance in the league was an absolute disaster as Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur side destroyed them 6-1 at the Theatre of Dreams.

A win against Chelsea could steady the ship in the league though. But then a loss could just send the alarm bells ringing in the boardroom once again despite the 2-1 win away against in Paris just days ago.

One man who shined on that day was Axel Tuanzebe. After spending 10 months out of action, he came back into the team and looked better than ever. Solskjaer has hinted though that he might not be fit enough yet to start back-to-back games.

Speaking with the club’s official website he said:

"“He’s feeling a little bit tired of course, you do when it’s the first game for you for 10 months or something. And what a performance, it was fantastic from the kid. We know he’s capable of that, now it’s about getting consistently fit over a long period and we know Axel is a top central defender.”"

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Tuanzebe was absolutely magnificent in Paris and thus the fans will view this as a blow. But it is understandable though considering how long he has been out for.

Harry Maguire has not been in great form this season and at times look like a mistake waiting to happen at the back. Thus, if the Manchester United captain does end up starting on the day, it will certainly make the fans nervous. Chelsea have a lot of attacking talent and the game could be won or lost, depending on how Solskjaer’s backline performs.

Chelsea have their own issues at the back though and are in good form. They have drawn both of their previous games, conceding three against Southampton as well. Thus, this might be the opportunity for the Red Devils to strike. Frank Lampard does not have a great record against Solskjaer and hopefully that will continue.