Manchester United may be handed a huge advantage ahead of their vital top four clash against Chelsea, with the Blues’ £200m duo in danger of missing the bout.
Manchester United suffered their first defeat under Michael Carrick on Wednesday night, as the Reds fell short of the mark in their Premier League clash against a ten-man Newcastle United side.
United looked in a great position to snatch all three points from their trip to St. James’ Park once the Magpies’ Jacob Ramsey was dismissed in the 45th minute, although this wasn’t to be the case.
Moments after the sending off, Bruno Fernandes clipped the heels of Anthony Gordon inside the penalty box, which was then punished by the Englishman from the penalty spot.
Casemiro levelled proceedings up in the dying embers of the first half to give the Reds an advantage heading into the final 45 minutes; however, a William Osula dagger in the 90th minute left United staring down the barrel of defeat.
Chelsea’s £200m duo risking suspension
This defeat to Newcastle has dragged the Reds back into the fight for a UEFA Champions League spot, which has only increased the emphasis on their upcoming clash with Chelsea.
Liam Rosenior’s Blues put on a clinic at Villa Park, as they ran away as 4-1 victors, although a yellow card for Enzo Fernandez has left the £100m midfielder two bookings away from a two-match suspension.
Fernandez’s fellow £100m midfielder, Moises Caicedo, is in the same boat, as he is also two bookings away from suspension.
As stated by Four Four Two, if the pair were booked twice in their next three fixtures against Newcastle, Everton, and Manchester City, they would be suspended for their crucial tie with Manchester United.
United need to bounce back
Due to the Reds being out of the FA Cup, they will get to enjoy a weekend with no fixture, before their incredibly important clash with Aston Villa on Sunday, March 15.
Having suffered their first defeat since Carrick took charge, it will be vital that United bounce back from this disappointing defeat if they are to keep themselves in good standing for a top-four spot.
Especially considering that they will be taking on the Villains at Old Trafford, home advantage will be with the Red Devils as they attempt to put themselves three points clear of Unai Emery’s side.
With some tough fixtures against the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool on the horizon, Carrick will need to have his team ready to punish an out-of-sorts Villa side next weekend.
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