This Sunday, Manchester United starts a new chapter with club Legend Ruud van Nistelrooy as the manager, and they face Chelsea at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are struggling this season, after losing 3-0 in two straight games against other top teams.
Their bad form this season has already seen Eric Ten Hag fired after only nine games. Can this temporary leadership under Van Nistelrooy bring the spark back to a struggling squad or will Chelsea’s Young Guns continue their strong start?
In today’s analysis, let’s examine what both sides bring to the table in this high-stakes Premier League epic clash.
United’s Tough Start and Ten Hag’s Exit
Manchester United’s season hasn’t gone as planned, sitting in 14th Place and with just 11 points after nine games, this is one of their lowest points tallies at this stage since the 2019/2020 season.
The Tipping Point came after United suffered consecutive 3-0 losses to Rivals Liverpool and Tottenham at Old Trafford. After that match, Ten Hag’s time was running out and on Monday United pulled the trigger, officially parting ways with the Dutch manager. In his place another Dutchman steps up, United Legend, Van Nistelrooy.
This temporary role gives Van Nistelrooy a chance to restore some energy and hope at Old Trafford especially with Chelsea arriving on Sunday.
United’s leadership didn’t waste any time in finding a permanent replacement as they have announced the appointment of Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon who may soon bring his tactical style to Old Trafford.
H2H Stats and Current Form
United’s last two clashes with Chelsea at home ended in victories and they are undefeated against the Blues in their last 11 home games. In fact, if they win this weekend, it’ll be their third consecutive victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford. This is something they haven’t achieved since the 1950’s.
By the way, this season’s form paints a different picture. United’s attack has struggled with only 8 League goals scored, while they sit behind only Southampton and Crystal Palace for the fewest goals in the Premier League this season.
Expected goals(XG) also highlight their problems up front. With an expected goals of 14.8%, their actual goals fall 6.8% below that, the worst underperformance in the League this season. Finishing chances continues to be an issue for United and they’ll need to find solutions to quickly climb the table.
Chelsea’s Resurgence Under Enzo Maresca
While United has struggled, Chelsea’s season under Enzo Maresca has been quite different. With 19 goals so far, they among the League’s top scorers, only behind Manchester City.
Maresca has built his Chelsea Squad around a youthful core, naming the League’s youngest starting lineup this season averaging just over 23 years old. His approach has been bold and fearless and though Chelsea stumbled in a recent 2-1 loss to Liverpool and 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the EFL cup, they remain a dynamic and high-scoring team.
Chelsea’s recent reliance on young talent has brought excitement and energy. Their 2-1 victory over Newcastle in the league game marked a milestone as they fielded a lineup without any outfield players over 25, a feat only achieved once before in premier league history.
This youthful vigor will be a crucial Factor as they head to Old Trafford aiming to break United’s unbeaten home strike against them.
Players To Watch
Two players will be particularly key to watch in this game.
For United, Bruno Fernandes continues to be a critical playmaker, recently surpassing 150 goal involvement for the club. An impressive feat for any midfielder in Europe’s top leagues. Fernandes creativity and leadership on the pitch could be pivotal as United search for goals.
Cole Palmer is the man to watch for Chelsea. He had a breakout year with the blues, scoring 21 goals and 12 assists in 2024. He is already among the top contributors in the league.
Notably he scored a hattrick in Chelsea’s 4-3 win over United last season and could become one of only a few Chelsea players to score in three consecutive League games against the Red Devils if he scores tomorrow.
This matchup brings excitement on multiple fronts and a fresh start for Manchester United with Ruud van Nistelrooy at the wheel and they are up against a Chelsea Squad full of young hungry Talent.
Will Van Nistelrooy’s United find their groove at Old Trafford or will Chelsea’s dynamic side continue their climb up the table?
Let us know your predictions using the comments box below. First correct prediction wins. Let’s Go.
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