Michael Carrick and Lisandro Martinez
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
After getting more time to turn results around at Manchester United, Michael Carrick is hoping to get back to winning ways against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
It’s been an incredibly difficult few months for Michael Carrick as Manchester United head coach. The Reds have won just two of their first 12 games across all competitions. This is the sort of form that will eventually lead to the 45-year-old getting sacked.
The objective is to stop the rot. United’s slump has been worse than anyone could’ve imagined, after finishing third in the Premier League and securing Champions League qualification. Next up is a trip to Stamford Bridge to face a Chelsea side sitting fifth in the league table.
Carrick is in desperate need of results because the United board won’t remain patient forever. He could soon become their next fall guy if he fails to improve results over the coming weeks. All eyes will be on his team selection on Saturday to see which players he trusts to get him out of a hole.
Predicted Manchester United XI vs Chelsea
Chelsea will be without star striker Joao Pedro after looking toothless without him up front in their shock defeat against Tottenham last week. On top of that, they’ve conceded more goals (8) from set pieces than any other Premier League side this season.
While United should be doing everything they can to expose Chelsea’s weaknesses this weekend, Xabi Alonso’s side will be doing the same. Here is the United In Focus predicted XI for United’s trip to Stamford Bridge.
Senne Lammens: A guaranteed starter because of the lack of competition. Furthermore, I find it hard to blame the young Belgian for United’s lack of clean sheets. Lammens’ only clean sheet this season came in the Champions League against FK Sabah.
Leny Yoro: Although it’s far from ideal that Carrick is playing young centre-backs at full-back, Yoro must take these opportunities with both hands as it would be significantly worse if he was being overlooked on the bench. He slipped for one of Bournemouth’s goals last week, but that could happen to any player.
Harry Maguire: His best years are behind him, and this could be his final season at Old Trafford. That clearly doesn’t change the fact that Maguire remains one of Carrick’s most loyal servants, even if it’s been proving costly.
Lisandro Martinez: The Argentine has done plenty of talking. It’s now time to back it up on the pitch. Otherwise, the team suffers.
Diogo Dalot: Carrick isn’t convinced by Harry Amass, which is why he keeps overlooking the young left-back and shoehorning experienced players into the position. This is getting exposed in most matches, and Dalot is having a nightmare in terms of his performances.
Andrey Santos: I highly doubt Carrick will risk immediately throwing Kobbie Mainoo into the line-up, which means more minutes for Santos. It’s also an opportunity for Santos to face his former club after leaving Chelsea in the summer.
Carlos Baleba: Big challenge for Baleba to win his duels in the middle because it might be a one-sided affair in the midfield battle. The former Brighton star will need support and a disciplined performance from Santos alongside him.
Amad Diallo: The team needs a spark in attack, and Amad has been playing the last few matches with little effect. He should be sharper now, especially with each game passing, so it’s time to see that with more goals and assists.
Youri Tielemans: United fans haven’t seen the best of Tielemans yet. Some are even questioning the transfer already. The Belgium captain needs a big performance and now would be a good time against Chelsea.
Bruno Fernandes: After being given a lesson for speaking out against the manager, Fernandes is expected to return to the line-up. Let’s hope he is at his creative best and the fellow attackers in the team can take advantage of that.
Bryan Mbeumo: Looking for his fifth Premier League goal of the season. The 27-year-old is another example of a player having to play out of position due to Benjamin Sesko’s injury and insufficient recruitment.
This would mean Carrick makes two changes from the team that lost 3-0 against Bournemouth. Ayden Heaven and Mason Mount would be taken out to make room for Martinez and Fernandes.