Manchester United vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news

Ruud van Nistelrooy continues his tenure as interim manager when Manchester United host Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

On Friday morning, Ruben Amorim was named as the permanent successor to Erik ten Hag. though the Portuguese coach will not begin his reign until November’s international break. United will aim to build on the morale-boosting win over Leicester in the Carabao Cup in midweek, with the Red Devils languishing in 13th place in the Premier League table.

Christian Eriksen remains a doubt after withdrawing from the squad against Leicester, though Noussair Mazraoui and Rasmus Hojlund could return after rests.

In contrast, Chelsea have enjoyed a rather more fruitful season under Enzo Maresca to date. The Blues will move above London rivals Arsenal if defeat is avoided at Old Trafford.

Maresca made wholesale changes for the club’s cup exit at Newcastle on Wednesday and is expected to revert back to his preferred Premier League lineup as a deep squad is utilised. Jadon Sancho is ineligible to feature against his parent club.

Manchester United vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news 

Form

Manchester United: DLDLW

Ruud van Nistelrooy’s spell as interim manager began in perfect fashion with a 5-2 thumping of Leicester in midweek. United have scored a dire eight goals in nine Premier League games this season but found their goalscoring groove under a man who plundered 150 for the club as a player.

Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes each scored braces, with Alejandro Garnacho also on target. There was also an improved performance from Manuel Ugarte in midfield and the Uruguayan should retain his place this weekend.

The Red Devils will hope to take that momentum into the Premier League, where a run of one win in five games brought the end of Erik ten Hag’s tenure.

Chelsea: DLWWL

Chelsea exited the Carabao Cup in midweek as a second-string side was beaten at Newcastle. Just days prior, the Blues had beaten the same opposition in the Premier League to continue their challenge for a top-four finish.

Enzo Mareca’s side have lost just twice in the Premier League this season, with their only defeats of the campaign coming against the top two – Liverpool and Manchester City.

Nicolas Jackson’s improvement has been a driving factor behind their run and the Senegalese striker is looking to score for the third consecutive game this weekend. He has six goals and three assists from nine Premier League appearances.

Last Meeting: Chelsea 4-3 Manchester United, Premier League, 4th April 2024

Chelsea won a thrilling contest against Manchester United in incredible circumstances back in April.

Cole Palmer scored in the 100th and 101st minutes to turn defeat into victory for Chelsea, completing his hat-trick in the process in an astonishing individual performance.

Chelsea had blown a two-goal lead in a see-sawing game at Stamford Bridge, after Conor Gallagher and Palmer had put the hosts in control after 19 minutes.

Manchester United were level before half-time after a quick-fire double from Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes, before the former struck his second to complete the turnaround. As the clock ticked towards the final seconds, Diogo Dalot brought down Noni Madueke in the box and Palmer made no mistake to equalise with his second penalty of the game.

Then, just moments later, Chelsea had a winner. United switched off at a set piece, affording Palmer too much room to fire in a deflected 101st minute decider.

United were ahead with 99 minutes 17 seconds gone, the latest a side has ever led in a Premier League match they would go on to lose.

Predicted Lineups

Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Casemiro, Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.

Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill Gusto; Lavia, Caicedo, Neto, Palmer, Madueke; Jackson

Who is the referee?

Rob Jones will be the match official. He will be assisted by Lee Betts and Neil Davies while Tom Bramall will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Michael Salisbury and he will be assisted by Nick Hopton.

What channel is Manchester United vs Chelsea on?

Manchester United vs Chelsea will be available to watch on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Go UK, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra.

What time is kick-off?

Kick off at Old Trafford will be at 16:30 GMT on Sunday 3rd November 2024.

Odds

Manchester United – 8/5

Draw – 13/5

Chelsea – 8/5

Read – Viktor Gyokeres comments on future as Ruben Amorim joins Man Utd

See more – The winners and losers of Amorim’s Man United appointment

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok