Old Trafford under the lights is a special place, but the Theatre of Dreams could quite easily to turn into a nightmare tomorrow night, as we look to bounce back after a truly awful performance against Newcastle.
Despite the draw away at Galatasary, it seemed like United had found a bit of form, and hopes were high for that elusive away performance and result against a fellow top-4 contender on Saturday evening.
What happened was one of United’s worst performances in memory, bereft of belief, passion or quality, with some abject individual performances.
United have the chance to show what they’re about against a Chelsea side that has underperformed itself this season, but has a number of dangerous, quality players.
Manchester United Team News
There is a familiar list of medium- to long term-injuries. Lisandro Martinez (foot), Casemiro (thigh), Jonny Evans (thigh), Christian Eriksen (knee), Amad Diallo (knee) and Tyrell Malacia (knee) are out of contention for the time being.
Jadon Sancho remains in exile from the first team but Ten Hag may be able to call on Mason Mount, who is nearing first-team fitness. Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial surely have to be dropped after the Newcastle performance.
Is it time for Rafael Varane to step back into the fold? United could need some of his composure and passing, which would allow Luke Shaw to revert to left back.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
Onana;
Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Varane, Shaw;
Amrabat, Mainoo; Fernandes;
Antony, Hojlund, Garnacho.
Opposition Preview
Chelsea, despite the vast amount spent on new players, Chelsea have been a mixed bag this season. In their last outing against Brighton they held on for a 3-2 victory despite having a man sent off, before that they were battered 4-1 at Newcastle, held City to a bonkers 4-4, dispatched Spurs 4-1 away and lost to Brentford 2-0 at home.
Unpredictable is an understatement, but one thing is for sure, this team has quality and goals in it. Chelsea will come to attack, and if we perform anywhere near the levels of the Newcastle game we’ll be in for a long night.
Chelsea are without a number of players, including Chilwell, Nkunku, Chalobah, and Conor Gallagher is suspended.
Form Guide
Manchester United Premier League form: LWWWL
Manchester United (all competitions): LWWDL
Chelsea Premier League form: LWDLW
Chelsea form (all competitions): WLWDW
The outlook: NegATIVE
I hate to say it but this is the most pessimistic I’ve felt as a United fan for some time, and there looks to be no end in sight; no real light at the end of the tunnel.
Reports have come out this week that Erik Ten hag has lost senior players in the dressing room. Whether it’s true or not is hard to say, but given what happened with every manager since Fergie it wouldn’t be a huge shock.
Of course, I’m hopeful for a win a convincing performance. Football is a funny old game sometimes and Old Trafford under the lights does often produce a great atmosphere. Anything can happen on the night but for me Chelsea start as favourites.
Prediction: 0-2
Whilst both teams are nursing several injuries, the Reds will want bounce back from the disappointment of the Champions League in midweek. Having already lost to Newcastle once this season, United will be intent on not making that a second time. Whilst we have increased our attacking output in recent games, our defensive frailties have caught us out as the Magpies will try and exploit this.
