Manchester United welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford this afternoon for a Premier League fixture that Ruben Amorim simply must get a positive result from.
After a turbulent start to the campaign, the humiliating Manchester Derby defeat has heaped huge pressure on the United head coach, leaving him desperate for three points this weekend.
However, newly crowned World Champions Chelsea will provide stiff opposition as they look to mount an outside bid for the Premier League title.
Amorim must adapt to save his skin
Must has been made of Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system with United’s squad simply failing to produce what he needs to make it a success in Manchester.
However, the Portuguese coach has stressed he will not change his approach until he sees fit, but there will surely be tweaks to personal that will result in a better United display today.
Captain Bruno Fernandes has become the biggest square peg in a round hole this season and pushing him further forward will allow United to control the midfield better and create more chances up top.
Kobbie Mainoo’s ability to keep the ball ticking over in the middle of the park should see him get his first start of the season alongside Casemiro who has the experience to hold his position in big games.
Winning the midfield battle will be crucial today with Chelsea’s mega-money duo of Enzo Fernandez finally showing their worth since the turn of the year.
For all the good will of United’s skipper he is not suited to playing deep, too often leaving his midfielder partner stranded and struggling to cope with the opposition who have more numbers in the crucial part of the pitch.
With Matheus Cunha back but likely to start on the bench, Amorim must avoid a repeat of what cost his so dear at the Etihad and allow Fernandes to move into attacking areas without leaving the gaping chasm in behind.
Mainoo’s return allows this to happen and the local lad will be chomping at the bit to show what he can do after his impressive cameo in the otherwise disappointing Derby last weekend.
Dealing with Chelsea’s threat
Boyhood United fan Cole Palmer remains Chelsea’s best player and keeping tabs on him will be key to United thwarting the opposition’s threat.
Palmer drifts all over the park so communication between centre-backs and Casemiro is going to have to be perfect if United are to stop the former City man weaving his magic.
Responsibility to pick him up will chnage throughout the game so knowing when it’s time to jump out as one of the two wider centre-backs and when to pass on to the midfield needs to be seamless.
Depsite all their attacking options, stopping Palmer does go a long way to stopping Chelsea and Amorim will be keen to nullify the Englishman from the off.
Even with nine points from their opening games, Chelsea haven’t been at their best and were soundly swept aside in Europe midweek, something Amorim will hope to capitalize on with the extra days to prepare.
Can United finally find their shooting boots
Despite their slow start, United do have impressive metrics backing up Amorim’s belief that his philosophy will click into gear if United can produce in the key areas of the park.
Being clinical in both boxes is a trait of the best sides and something United just haven’t been capable of since Amorim’s arrival.
However, there is talent on the pitch and if Fernandes is employed further forward, he certainly has a goal in him as well as the ability to deliver chances on a plate for his teammates.
Bryan Mbeumo has showed his eye for a goal and himself and has the opposite role to Fernandes by stretching the opposition with his pace.
If Bruno can get the ball in the half spaces, Mbeumo’s pace will get in behind the Chelsea back line and give him the opportunity for shots and goal of cut backs to on rushing teammates.
Both benches are also likely to be strong this afternoon and could play a key role in where the game is won and lost.
Featured image by Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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Conner Botterill
Conner Botterill has been with The Peoples Person for two years. A keen match-going red with degrees in Sport and Journalism and Philosophy and Psychology, Conner still believes he has a chance of making United’s first team through his 5-a-side career.
