Noussair Mazraoui
Noussair Mazraoui
Manchester United head into a crucial clash this weekend as they travel south to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The Red Devils have endured a difficult few months and will arrive on an eight-match winless run, their longest search for a victory in a decade.
United’s previous longest winless run in recent times came under Louis van Gaal in 2015, when they went seven matches without a victory.
The Old Trafford hierarchy still place their faith in embattled head coach Michael Carrick to guide the side out of this slump, despite growing calls for his dismissal.
Carrick must now devise a sharp tactical plan to outwit Xabi Alonso, whose Chelsea side have enjoyed a far stronger start to the season.
How he approaches the contest remains to be seen, yet he has already received a significant boost.
João Pedro set to miss Man United’s Stamford Bridge visit
Speaking in the press conference ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup meeting with Liverpool, Alonso confirmed the news, as per the Metro:
“He [Joao Pedro] has an injury of his thigh and is going to be out for a few weeks. Let’s see how many. He’s not ready for the next games. He’s a key player. We’ll miss him. We have to be ready to deal with the injury, starting tomorrow with Liverpool.”
Pedro’s absence over the coming weeks, and therefore when United visit Stamford Bridge, gives Carrick a clear opportunity to leave West London with all three points.
Pedro pivotal to Chelsea’s attack
The Brazilian has acted as the glue in Chelsea’s forward line. His ability to link play, drift into pockets of space, and combine with creators such as Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers has helped make the Blues’ attack one of the most fluid in the division.
Beyond that, he has proved clinical in front of goal. Across six Premier League appearances this season, he has scored five times and provided three assists.
With United’s defence struggling for consistency, the absence of a dangerous attacker such as Pedro is a major boost for Carrick’s side.
Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images
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