Manchester United Possible Starting Lineup Against Chelsea
The 13-time Premier League champions return to west London on Thursday when they face fellow strugglers Chelsea, a fixture they won 2-1 at Old Trafford earlier in the season.
Erik Ten Hag’s side still harbour hopes of a top four spot this season but Champions League qualification looks increasingly unlikely with each passing week.
Manchester United are looking to keep their Champions League hopes alive in tonight’s visit to Stamford Bridge, a venue where they have not tasted victory since February 2020.
With some injuries to contend with ahead of Thursday’s battle, here’s how Man Utd could line up against Chelsea.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
GK: Andre Onana – The Cameroonian stopper has managed to largely eradicate the errors that haunted him early in his United career, but Chelsea will keep him on his toes at Stamford Bridge.
RB: Diogo Dalot – The Portuguese is an inconsistent performer and will have his work cut out to handle the speedy and tricky Mykhailo Mudryk on Thursday. One thing you can guarantee is he will give his all, though.
CB: Raphael Varane – The former Real Madrid defender was withdrawn against Brentford as a precaution but Ten Hag has confirmed he is available for the trip to Stamford Bridge. With injuries piling up at the back, his experience and leadership will be vital on Thursday.
CB: Harry Maguire – With Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof sidelined, Maguire is likely to partner Varane at the back – although Jonny Evans is now fit too. The centre-back has been an inconsistent performer this season and won’t be relishing a battle with the pacy and direct Nicolas Jackson.
LB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka – Man Utd’s left-back injury crisis means Ten Hag has had to be creative in that area, with Wan-Bissaka shifting to the other side of defence recently. Given he’s such a strong one-v-one defender, the orthodox right-back will be the perfect match for the influential Cole Palmer.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo – The youngster wowed England supporters over the international break and continues to astound with his mature displays in United red. The wonderkid will be aiming to dominate a £221m Chelsea midfield on Thursday.
CM: Casemiro – The Brazilian provided an assist off the bench against Brentford and could reclaim his spot in the starting lineup on Thursday. Man Utd’s midfield has been a big concern this season, with Casemiro having been guilty of underperforming.
RM: Alejandro Garnacho – One of the few shining lights for Man Utd this term, the youngster has often provided a crucial spark for the Red Devils in the final third. His pace will be useful on the counter-attack at Stamford Bridge.
AM: Bruno Fernandes – Man Utd’s skipper, the 29-year-old will need to be at his creative best against the Blues. He has two goals and three assists in his last six games for club and country.
LW: Antony Santos — Antony could get a start for Manchester United against Chelsea as the Brazilian has been working hard to earn back a starting spot in the team.
ST: Rasmus Hojlund – The United hitman was flying before picking up an injury in February but is yet to find the net in the four games since his return. His form will be crucial from now until the end of the season.
