With calls of bringing Jose Mourinho at the helms of Old Trafford, the Red Devils play Mourinho’s previous employers this Monday. Neutrals would loved to have seen the whole Old Trafford stadium sing the Special One’s name.
While Man United continue to consider the future of manager Louis Van-Gaal, the bigger issue for the Red Devils is their terrible form. No longer are they considered to be title challengers after four straight defeats which included losses to Bournemouth, Norwich and Stoke.
Wayne Rooney will surely return to the United starting XI on Monday. Rooney came off the bench at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday for the second half, and the all-time leading England goalscorer turned out his best performance for some time.
Elsewhere, Van Gaal is likely to make some changes for the Chelsea match, although it’s difficult to predict what those changes will be. Memphis Depay, however, is likely to lose his place in the side, while Bastian Schweinsteiger is available to return after his suspension. Morgan Schneiderlin could also return to first team action.
Chelsea, 15th in the table and just two points above the drop zone, also have selection issues.
Loic Remy may start in attack as Diego Costa is suspended after collecting his fifth booking of the season, while Eden Hazard is a doubt after he limped out of Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Other possible rotations for Guus Hiddink could be to start Ramires in midfield partnering Matic replacing Fabregas who had a disaster playing against The Hornets, while Kurt Zouma could have to wait to get back in the starting lineup at the center of the defence after John Terry and Gary Cahill lined up and were impressive against Watford in a 2-2 draw on Saturday.
It’s difficult to predict Monday’s match due to the underwhelming form of both sides.
In general, though, Chelsea are unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings with Man United, while the last three fixtures between these two sides at Old Trafford in the Premier League have produced just three goals in total.
It’s also worth noting that Guus Hiddink won his last three competitive meetings with Louis van Gaal; all with PSV against AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands in 2005-06.
Manchester United vs Chelsea Possible Starting XI:
Man United: De Gea; Young, Jones, Smalling, Blind; Fellaini, Carrick; Mata, Herrera, Martial; Rooney
Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Pedro; Remy
Manchester United vs Chelsea Stats:
- United have lost four competitive matches in a row during a single season for the first time since October-November 1961.
- They have lost three successive league games and are without a win in seven matches in all competitions.
- Louis van Gaal’s side have averaged just 1.22 goals per game in the league this season, which is their lowest tally in a league campaign since 1989-90 (1.21).
- Chelsea are aiming to go three league games without defeat for the first time this season.
- The Blues have taken just five points from the last 27 available away from home.
- They are without an away victory in the league since beating West Brom in August.
Stats via BBC
Manchester United vs Chelsea:
A 0-1 win for the travelling side.
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