Fans of all persuasions and loyalties have visited the Transfer Tavern on a regular basis this season. Quite surprisingly, it’s the sets of fans from both the red side of Manchester and the Chelsea faithful that are undoubtedly having the most stressful seasons out of the “big clubs”.
The Premier League champions suffered an awfully rapid decline in form to leave them sitting in the bottom half of the table, a place that seems unfamiliar to their loyal supporters. Manchester United haven’t fared much better in the eyes of their supporters.
Inconsistency and a lack of creative flair in Louis Van Gaal’s style of play has taken the sting out of what was once a magnificent counter-attacking, top-four side. Both squads have a feeling of “almost complete but something missing” so we began to question, what would happen if Manchester United players and Chelsea players were placed into one combined eleven?
Could it make the complete team required to win this season’s Premier League? Here’s what we think would make ManChelsea United’s best starting line-up.
Hit the image below to see our Man United & Chelsea combined XI!
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GK: David De Gea
With only one goalkeeping spot available, it’s always going to be a tough decision picking between David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois but the decision has been made.
It’s the Spanish international who has claimed the opening position in this combined XI after a satisfying season so far for him, having kept Manchester United alive. With De Gea’s shaky start to his Manchester United career, being criticised for individual errors back in 2011 which had many people question, was he the best man to be United’s last line of defense?
He’s certainly proved himself now, arguably one of United’s stand-out performers in recent seasons, pulling off world class saves when United needed it most. No disrespect to Courtois, who will undoubtedly go on to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world, (if people don’t already regard him as one), but purely down to amount of goals conceded this season, De Gea takes his place between the sticks.
RB: Matteo Darmian
The first outfield position has been awarded to Manchester United’s summer signing, Matteo Darmian. The 26-year-old Italian international has just came off the back of his most promising spell in his career, a 4-year period at Serie A side, Torino. Making 133 appearances for the side and managing to bag himself 3 goals, Darmian earned himself a much deserved move to the top-flight in English football.
Despite being fresh to the challenges of the Premier League, Darmian has made a good account of himself. Without being a world-beater, he’s shown plenty of what it takes to make it happen in England, already making 18 appearances for United this season.
CB: Gary Cahill
The first of our centre back pairing is England international, Gary Cahill. Cahill’s time at Bolton Wanderers and impressive performances earned him his opportunity to play for Premier League champions, Chelsea and he certainly hasn’t disappointed.
Quickly establishing himself as one of the best central defenders, (certainly one of the best English defenders) in the top-flight and has racked up 112 appearances for the Blues since joining them in 2012.
Noted for his technical ability and distribution, two traits required to be considered as one of the world’s top defenders, the vice-captain of England national team is worth of his place in this combined XI, offering consistency, aerial presence and an ability to read the game.
CB: John Terry (Captain)
Arguably the best defender in the Premier League, John Terry has seen it all in his career, building a reputation of a committed defender who puts himself at risk to do his job.
The Chelsea skipper began his senior career with the Blues way back in 1998 and earning a reputation amongst Chelsea supporters, leading them to four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and even a Champions League title in the past 11 years.
Chelsea’s all time highest scoring defender is strong, tenacious and has bags of experience so there is no question of him making it into the combined XI.
LB: Cesar Azpilicueta
Completing our back four in the combined XI is Chelsea’s reliable Spaniard, Cesar Azpilicueta. Known as “Dave” in the dressing room simply to make life easier for his team-mates around him, Azpilicueta had quite a battle on his hands when he arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2012.
Having competition from Ashley Cole has got to be tough on anyone, but the Spanish international has done well since arriving in the Premier League, proving time and time again why he is so highly-rated.
Still only 26, Azpilicueta has formed a solid partnership with his fellow defenders and having the veteran, John Terry, beside him allows him to learn a lot more as he plays. A solid defender and a dangerous counter-attacker, Azpilicueta completes the combined XI’s back line.
RDM: Bastian Schweinsteiger
First of our defensive midfielders is the German veteran, Bastian Schweinsteiger. A living legend in the eyes of Bayern Munich fans and German international fans across the globe, the 31-year-old has been one of the most consistent performers in the world, playing over 500 games for Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich and earning himself over one hundred caps for the national side.
The hard-hitting German is an absolute warrior on the football pitch, putting himself on the line for his team and becoming a World Cup winner in 2014.
On his day, undoubtedly one of the best central midfielders in the world and Manchester United are very lucky to have him at Old Trafford.
LDM: Nemanja Matic
Second and certainly no weak-link on the pitch is an absolute mountain of a man in the shape of Nemanja Matic. The Serbian midfielder’s style of play has often been praised by spectators and despite his size and physical presence, his technical ability is outstanding.
Matic’s first spell at Chelsea was hardly one worth noting, leaving for Benfica in 2011, only to return three years later as one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League.
Managing 76 appearances at Chelsea in his second spell and showing no signs of dropping his form, if Chelsea begin to return to form, Matic will most likely be at the centre of it.
RAM: Oscar
On the right hand side, we have the creative playmaking talents of the Brazillian, Oscar. The 24-year-old joined Chelsea back in 2012 and has set the Premier League alight with moments of magic in the final third.
With all the potential to be an incredible attacking midfielder, Oscar’s youth works to his advantage and could develop to be one of the world’s best footballing names as long as he has the right coaching to guide him.
He has already managed to earn himself 44 international caps and 12 international goals. Capable of using both his left foot and his right, Oscar’s versatility and unpredictability has earned him a place in the combined XI.
CAM: Wayne Rooney
The Manchester United forward is a must-have in this combined XI, a versatile leader who can create chances for his team as well as knowing where the goal is. He’s scored some fantastic goals over the years that have left fans speechless and despite his critics, has always given 100 percent.
Many people claim that Rooney is overrated after he failed to produce consistency on the international stage but there is a lot left in the 30-year-old’s locker. A legend at Old Trafford, his technical ability and awareness makes him a difficult player to read and a nightmare for opposition defenders.
On his day, he’s unquestionably one of the Premier League’s best forward players.
LAM: Eden Hazard
The young Belgian that has been compared to the likes of Ronaldo, Eden Hazard is a certain game changer. The 25-year-old winger has already displayed bags of potential and enough skills to give defenders nightmares, Hazard is capable of shifting his performance into a gear that is very difficult to contend with.
Despite being far from his best this season, it won’t take much for the right manager to get the Belgian international back to his magnificent best. Fast dribbler, great ball control, quick decision maker and a natural talent for the beautiful game, Hazard is a no-brainer for the combined XI.
ST: Diego Costa
Last, but certainly not least, in this combined squad is the lone frontman, Diego Costa. Costa is a nightmare for opposition defenders, making himself known and being a constant physical presence.
Defenders need to stay tight to him and avoid giving him space or else they risk him getting a sight of goal. However, once drawn into the physical battle, it’s a difficult one for defenders to win.
Costa joined Chelsea in 2014 and has managed 28 goals in 45 appearances for them. Capable of scoring goals in all scenarios, be it a header, a low driven shot or even from the penalty spot, this is the ideal danger man you want leading the line.
With the right service around him, Costa has everything in his arsenal to be a prolific goalscorer.
