Michael Carrick’s first league game as temporary Man Utd manager will see the Red Devils lock horns against table toppers Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening.
United parted company with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following Week 12’s shocking 4-1 loss at Vicarage Road to Watford and have temporarily given the reins to Carrick as they search for a permanent replacement. The former United medio’s first assignment was a crucial midweek Champions League one against Villarreal and despite not being at their best, as has often been the case in the CL this season, United ran out 2-0 winners at El Madrigal to seal their passage into the Round of 16.
Both goals came in the final 15 minutes- one to Cristiano Ronaldo and the other to Jadon Sancho. Carrick opted to give both Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho starts (the latter in a more traditional wing position rather than as a wingback) against Villarreal, and chose to bring star playmaker Bruno Fernandes off the bench.
Chelsea meanwhile were clinical in their 4-0 demolition of Italian giants Juventus, putting on a stunning display in front of their home supporters to mark manager Thomas Tuchel’s 50th game in charge of the club. The result also saw them qualify for the knockout stages.
The only downside from the Juve clash were the injuries picked up by midfielder Ngolo Kante and left back Ben Chilwell, which leaves the duo as doubts for this weekend’s clash. Chelsea have a three-point lead at the top of the PL table over second placed Man City, while United are a lowly 8th with 17 points, a whopping 12 behind the Blues.
Tuchel’s men boast of the best defensive record in the league- they’ve let in just four goals in 12 games so far this season. The last two Chelsea-United clashes have also both been goalless stalemates, which is why we think this fixture might not see many goals- potentially two or fewer in our opinion.
Chelsea fans will also be marginally worried with the appointment of Anthony Taylor as referee for this clash. The Blues have a poor recent record with him in charge and were actually on a five-game winless streak under Taylor before their 1-0 win over newly promoted Brentford earlier this season. The 43-year-old Taylor was also the man with the whistle when Man Utd last beat the Blues- a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge back in February 2020.
Last five games for Chelsea
Chelsea 4-0 Juventus
Leicester 0-3 Chelsea
Chelsea 1-1 Burnley (Draw)
Malmo 0-1 Chelsea
Newcastle 0-3 Chelsea
Last five games for United, all competitions
Villarreal 0-2 Man Utd
Watford 4-1 Man Utd (L)
Man Utd 0-2 Man City (L)
Atalanta 2-2 Man Utd (D)
Tottenham 0-3 Man Utd
