It’s a crunch clash at Stamford Bridge this evening, with Michael Carrick set to become the first Englishman to manage a league game for United since Ron Atkinson in 1986. There is a possibility that the reds could fall 15 points adrift of the league leaders with their third consecutive Premier League defeat, though three points would close the gap to nine points from top spot; United started the weekend in eighth, coming into this one 12 points being Chelsea.
It's poised to be a tough few days for United as they round off the current run of difficult fixtures, with a Thursday night encounter with Arsenal following today's meeting with Chelsea. From there, United don't face a typical 'big six' side until another tough run in March. Thus, whether his tenure begins in midweek or at Selhurst Park next weekend, it should be slightly more straightforward for prospective interim manager Ralf Rangnick to get his ways across.
It has felt an eternity since United lost against Watford last weekend, with their Premier League form reading a league-low only four points from seven matches - that's not even 20% of points won over that period. Not only have United amassed the least points in the league over the last seven games, but they have conceded a league-high 17 goals. However, a midweek victory in Spain against Villarreal saw a first win in four as Carrick took charge for the first time.
United were effectively pragmatic in midweek, but still made a meal of a theoretically rather untroubling match. Chelsea, conversely, annihilated Massimiliano Allegri's 4-0 at the Bridge. Top of the league table, they have lost only once and overall dropped a mere seven points. The sole defeat came against Manchester City back in September, with a pair of disappointing draws coming against Southampton and Burnley.
In stark contrast to United's defensive woes, Chelsea have the best defensive record and have conceded only four times in the league this season. Their defence has also contributed heavily on an attacking front, with Ben Chilwell scoring three times and Reece James top scorer with five goals (on top of five assists) from wingback. Unfortunately for Chelsea, the former is set for at least six weeks sidelined having picked up an ACL injury - which may require surgery - against Juventus.
In addition to Chilwell, midfield pair of Ngolo Kante and Mateo Kovacic are sidelined. However, Romelu Lukaku is back with the Chelsea squad after a lengthy layoff.
Luke Shaw has missed out on the squad again having sustained concussion last weekend, whilst Fred is with the squad after twisting his ankle in midweek. The French duo of Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba remain sidelined, with Edinson Cavani still struggling with his tendon issue. Harry Maguire is suspended after his red card last weekend, meaning Phil Jones is named in a league matchday squad for the first time in 650 days having travelled to London. Mason Greenwood is another back with the squad, recovering from his bout of Covid-19.
Both sides will be hoping to improve on a pair of 0-0 draws last season this time around.
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