Edinson Cavani is set to make his Manchester United debut while Harry Maguire and Juan Mata will return to the starting lineup against Chelsea on Saturday.
Manchester United will be aiming to keep their winning run going when they play hosts to Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday evening. And, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is set to have three first-team players at his disposal ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Harry Maguire and Mason Greenwood missed the midweek fixture against PSG due to minor injuries. Meanwhile, Edinson Cavani was unavailable as he built up his fitness and sharpness after completing his quarantine upon arriving in Manchester.
"Axel is a leader that can play many positions. He’s so professional, works hard and has been very thorough in his rehab," says the boss.
"He takes responsibility for his development and hopefully he can have a long career at United."#MUFC #MUNCHE pic.twitter.com/L1a1fUqDxu
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 23, 2020
Maguire, Greenwood and Cavani, though, should be available to take on Chelsea, with Solskjaer being hopeful of the same while speaking with MUTV. The Manchester United manager was also asked about the after-effects of the gruelling game at PSG earlier this week and whether there are any niggles coming out of the game.
“No, there is nothing that we’ve struggled with after the game. Of course, there’s tiredness of the travel and little aches and pains but I think everyone should be ready for the weekend. We’re still hoping Mason and Harry can be available in the squad. Of course, we have a training session today [Friday], so they’re going to have to go through that.”
“Eric won’t be available. Jesse won’t be available so we’ll manage without them for a few weeks I think. Cavani might be ready for the squad as well for this weekend. He’s been training hard and been training well. I think he’ll be available for the weekend.”
Maguire should return to the heart of the Manchester United defence, seeing as he is likely to have proven his fitness. The defensive shape versus Chelsea, though, should be different to the one that lined up against PSG, with Solskjaer confirming during his pre-match press conference that he will keep altering the tactical setup as per the opponents.
Maguire should, therefore, be a part of a flat back-four, with Axel Tuanzebe likely to be his partner at the heart of the Manchester United defence. Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will be the full-back pairing, with David de Gea taking his place in goal.
Up ahead in midfield, Scott McTominay and Fred should retain their places in the double pivot, with the nature of the game prompting Solskjaer to stick with the duo. In attack, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford have been the difference makers lately and the pair are certain starters in the final third against Chelsea.
Cavani ought to make his debut with a start versus Chelsea, leading the line for Manchester United on Saturday. The final spot in attack should be handed to the in-form Juan Mata, who starts ahead of Greenwood on the right flank.
Manchester United Predicted XI: de Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred; Mata, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Cavani
