Manchester United is set for a big clash in the race for the Top 4 on Saturday, traveling to a hostile environment where the club has achieved minimal success: Stamford Bridge. They face a Chelsea team on the ropes, but do so with a less-than-ideal pool of players available for selection.
Center-back Partnership
Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven looked set to start this game, but news has since come out that Yoro sustained an injury in the buildup to this one. The two have a combined age of 39 years, which
shows just how inexperienced they are in the grand scheme of things, despite becoming familiar faces with the United faithful. Heaven as the only available true CB option will force a Carrick to shuffle the pack, and experienced players at adjacent positions will have to step up. Noussair Mazraoui or Luke Shaw may have to put in a shift centrally, but there will be a lot of attention on Heaven as someone who hasn’t played much since January.
This is a massive tie in the race for Champions League qualification, and it remains to be seen if they can take this sort of responsibility. In many ways, this is going to be the defining game of Heaven’s career to this point. He will need a hand from the rest of the squad.
Midfield
Manuel Ugarte failed to make an impression in the absence of Kobbie Mainoo, and it doesn’t look like Mainoo’s going to be fit for this tie. Bruno Fernandes, who looks set to win player of the year, played in the deeper areas for Ruben Amorim. While it is a role that requires more positional discipline from him, there’s a case to be made that he’s done a better job there than many players who were bought to knit things together in the middle of the park. With Mason Mount back from injury, it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world to deploy him there ahead of Ugarte.
Forward Combo
Bryan Mbeumo will most likely get back into the XI, but it’s not clear who will make way. Benjamin Sesko’s impact off the bench can’t be denied anymore, and it seems like Michael Carrick prefers using him in that manner. Amad Diallo hasn’t had the best season, but his defensive contributions provide some balance to the side. For now, this appears to be the best route to points.
