The Man Utd Lineup That Should Start Against Chelsea

Manchester United return to Premier League action on Saturday evening buoyed by an important win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, which in turn came only a few days after a much needed 4-1 victory over Newcastle.

Anthony Martial will drop out of the starting XI because of his domestic suspension, while there may still be no starting place for Paul Pogba or Donny van de Beek. But there is a chance that Edinson Cavani will appear for his United debut.

Here’s a look at the lineup manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could pick…

Goalkeepers & Defenders

David de Gea (GK) – The Spaniard has improved significantly this season and was in fine form in Paris. It is difficult not to think that having genuine competition in the form of Dean Henderson has played a part in that.

Axel Tuanzebe (CB) – Imagine playing your first game in 10 months, when your last appearance was against League Two’s Colchester, and pocketing Kylian Mbappe. That was Tuanzebe’s night on Tuesday. Confidence alone means he should keep his place.

Harry Maguire (CB) – The United skipper is still a doubt after missing out in Paris due to a minor injury, although Solskjaer is hopeful he will be available to play by Saturday night.

Luke Shaw (CB) – Shaw has filled in as an auxiliary centre-back on several occasions in this system now, stretching back to last system and it appears to suit him more than a conventional left-back role, where there is pressure for attacking quality.

Wing-Backs

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RWB) – Even though it has been a trying week off the pitch, Wan-Bissaka has enjoyed arguably his best week on it in a United shirt. He was top class against PSG and his one-on-one defensive qualities will again be crucial to stop Chelsea.

Alex Telles (LWB) – What United have needed all this time? Ryan Giggs thinks so. Telles made an impressive debut against PSG, showing his ability to get forward and cross the ball. He is better suited to this more attacking wing-back role than Shaw.

Midfielders

Scott McTominay (CM) – Twice the Scotland international has walked away from Parc des Princes victorious in his short career. He may lack the technical quality that many of his teammates have, but there is no doubting his passion or attitude, which is often more important.

Fred (CM) – Back at his best in Paris and how well he plays this weekend will go a long way to determining which team gets the upper hand in midfield.

Bruno Fernandes (AM) – The Portugal star clearly revelled in his first game as United captain this week and wasn’t fazed even when he saw a second penalty in a matter of days saved, quickly steadying himself to convert when it was ordered to be re-taken.

Forwards

Marcus Rashford (ST) – Standing up to a government that refuses to feed starving children between games, Rashford has had one hell of a week. He made all the difference against Newcastle, albeit late on, then score the winner in Paris for the second time in as many games in the French capital.

Mason Greenwood (ST) – Solskjaer has denied that United’s teenage starlet is out of action because of disciplinary issues, explaining that media reports about poor timekeeping bear no truth. He has been nursing a niggling injury, which does, however, make him a slight doubt.

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