Manchester United have been told they have a massive advantage over Chelsea as the two face off in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
Manchester United are back at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon as they face Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea in the Premier League.
United’s season has begun in disappointing fashion, with only four points from their opening four fixtures. A last-gasp win over Burnley was a rare positive, but they remain 14th in the table – their poorest start since 1992/93.
Rúben Amorim’s side enter the match following a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. Although they started both halves with energy, United failed to provide their forwards, particularly Benjamin Šeško, with meaningful chances. The pressure on Amorim is therefore building quickly.
The game also marks the return of Alejandro Garnacho to Old Trafford, after his £40 million switch to Chelsea last month, having been exiled from the squad by Amorim.
United must use massive advantage vs Chelsea
United’s last result was against City on Sunday, but Chelsea played away from home against Bayern Munich in Germany, losing 3-1. Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has admitted that this is a “massive” advantage for United, although he does not feel they will use it.
“I really like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, but eventually United will need to win games, to give their fans something to cling on to,” Sutton told BBC Sport.
“As [Paul] Scholes said, their ambition at the moment is just to get into the top half. I am sorry, but Amorim needs to give their supporters a bit more than that.
“Where United are fortunate is that they have had a week off since losing the derby, while Chelsea were beaten by Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday.
“It is a massive plus for United that they don’t have European football. You can’t moan about having less games – that should give them the physical advantage here. Even so, how can you put together a case for United winning this game? I just can’t.
“Chelsea are not the finished article either, but they are playing some good stuff,” Sutton concluded. “They have also got Cole Palmer firing again, and he will make the difference.” The 52-year-old then stated he feels his former side will win the game 2-1.
It’s becoming make-or-break for Amorim
After three losses, one draw, and just one win in the opening five fixtures this season, Amorim is coming under intense pressure to secure results from fans.
Although reports continue to suggest that he retains the full backing of United’s hierarchy and is not yet under intense pressure from his bosses, there is no denying that results must come soon, or he will be facing a significant problem. This must start against Chelsea.
With the upcoming fixture against a side vying for the top spot in the Premier League, Maresca’s men will be out for blood at Old Trafford, making it the perfect opportunity for Amorim’s side to assert their dominance in the League.
If they can secure a positive result against Chelsea, they then have fixtures against Brentford in London and Sunderland in Manchester, which would put the team in good standing heading into the October international break and beyond.
But, if the side cannot string together good performances, Amorim may face an early exit from Old Trafford.
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