In one of the crunch ties of the Premier League season, Manchester Untied host Chelsea at Old Trafford this weekend and the Red Devils fans here in the Transfer Tavern are seriously excited about the game!
They’ve got the chance to slow-down Antonio Conte’s title challenge and get closer to that coveted Champions League spot, something Mourinho must reach if his first season at United is to be branded any sort of success.
But it’s going to be one of the toughest games of the season for the Red Devils and there’s no doubt in the slightest that United will be in a game, with Chelsea looking to extend their lead over Tottenham.
But looking ahead, our United-mad barman has given us some cracking tips as to who should line up for United on this occasion, and we’re going to heed his warning and take some of his advice on board.
So with that in mind, here’s the United XI we think could surprise Chelsea at Old Trafford this weekend…
GK: Sergio Romero
With United boss Jose Mourinho seemingly unimpressed with David De Gea, there’s no reason Argentinian shot-stopper Sergio Romero should be dropped from the first-team after a comfortable appearance during the win against Sunderland.
He looked assured and confident and deserves to keep his place in the side.
RB: Matteo Darmian
Matteo Darmian is another man that has come into the United first-team of late and despite some doubt over his quality here in the Tavern, he turned in a good performance against the Black Cats too.
He’s a decent defender who gets up and down the pitch and should give the likes of Alonso a tough time this weekend.
CB: Eric Bailly
Ivorian international Eric Bailly has been thrown into the first-team this season and has impressed, with the likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones both sidelined through injury.
He reads the game well but will be in for a real battle against Diego Costa this weekend. He’s certainly got the quality to keep the Spaniard quiet though.
CB: Marcos Rojo
It’s going to be a huge afternoon for Marcos Rojo this weekend as he looks to show the United faithful that he’s good enough to stay in the first-team next season.
Despite some early season wobbles, fans here in the Tavern are warming to the Argentinian and he’s certainly improving as the weeks go by.
LB: Luke Shaw
Despite that very public criticism from Jose Mourinho a couple of weeks ago, Shaw has been part of the United first-team over the past couple of weeks and has impressed.
The English star has a lot of making up to do over the next couple of weeks and another good performance this weekend could get him back in Mourinho’s good books.
CDM: Marouane Fellaini
Despite a rather public outcry after Fellaini was given the captains armband for the tie against Sunderland, the Belgian came through scot-free and played well in his new role.
There’s no reason why he should lose that for the game against Chelsea as he’s given one of the biggest jobs of his career.
CDM: Ander Herrera
Despite coming off the boil over the past couple of months, there’s little doubting Ander Herrera’s quality in this United set-up.
His delivery and quality on the ball is unquestionable at times and it’s good to see the Spanish midfielder finally getting the recognition he deserves in the middle of the park.
RM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Armenian star Henrikh Mkhitaryan is back from injury and he’ll be looking to do his bit as United try to get as high up the table as possible.
He’s got bags of skill, pace and trickery and if he’s on-form, Chelsea could be in for a very difficult afternoon indeed.
CAM: Paul Pogba
If there was ever a game to show supporters why the money was spent on you, it’s this and for Paul Pogba, this could be a real make-or-break game in his career.
The Frenchman has lots to do to really show the United faithful why he’s the leading man going forward and if he’s to shine next season, ending this campaign with a bang wouldn’t be a bad thing in the slightest.
LM: Jesse Lingard
Giving new £100,000-a-week star Jesse Lingard a start against the Blues makes sense this week as he looks to prove why he’s been given a hefty new deal at Old Trafford.
The former Birmingham City loanee hasn’t exactly shone this campaign but has plenty of ability to make things happen for United. Chelsea should be wary.
ST: Zlatan Ibrahimovic
It’s games like these why Zlatan Ibrahimovic came to England in the first place and he’s got the biggest stage of all this weekend to show the world that he’s not at Old Trafford to make up the numbers.
He’ll be looking to cause the Chelsea defence all sorts of problems on Saturday and there’s thought that if he’s at his best, United could surprise the Blues and bring home the win.
