At a time when a run of favourable results can shape the future of Manchester United, Ruben Amorim remains calm ahead of Saturday’s Premier League visit of Chelsea.
The Reds may be leading the league in several positive attacking metrics, but goals and wins have been more challenging to come by in recent weeks.
Defeat in the Manchester derby added to an opening-day disappointment against Arsenal, with four points earned in between against Fulham and Burnley. The consequence is a 14th-place standing and a largely disgruntled fanbase.
Still, while an omission from European football is a bitter pill, Amorim has had ample time to prepare for a Chelsea side that lined out in Munich less than 48 hours ago.
Despite the growing calls for another managerial change, a victory could propel United as high as sixth ahead of fixtures with Brentford and Sunderland. At the same time, defeat would lead to a harrowing backlash.
Manchester United team news
Promisingly, Diogo Dalot and Lisandro Martinez are the only absentees, with the latter continuing his recovery from knee surgery following a devastating setback last season.
“We miss a lot, Licha,” Amorim stated in his pre-match press conference.
“Especially in this moment, we miss the aggression – how aggressive he is in everything he does. I think we miss him, but he’s always there, in every meeting, in every training. Sometimes, he finishes his training and stays there to watch the training.
“I think we need Licha in this team.”
Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount were notable absentees at the Etihad Stadium, with both collecting setbacks during the 3-2 victory against Burnley.
Much to the delight of the United faithful, the duo have recovered well and are in contention to return for Saturday’s 17:30 BST outing.
“Dalot is out,” the Portuguese continued. “Mason is in the squad. Cunha is in the squad. Licha is still out. I think that is it.”
Despite all of the doom and gloom, United possess a stellar record against Chelsea in Manchester, with the Reds unbeaten in the previous 12 Old Trafford meetings in the Premier League (W5, D7).
The Blues’ win rate of 18% in the North West is their lowest away to any side they have faced 10+ times in the competition. However, this is also the most drawn fixture in Premier League history, with 14 of the 27 ties recorded at the Theatre of Dreams.
Amorim’s men have registered wins in two of the last three home league outings, as many as a weary Stretford End witnessed in the previous 11 (W2, D2, L7).
Still, three points against Alejandro Garnacho and Co. on Saturday would seal consecutive home successes in the same season, with the same manager, for the first time since Erik ten Hag accomplished the feat in December 2023.
Believe that if you can, Reds.
Predicted Manchester United starting XI: (3-4-2-1): Bayindir; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Yoro; Amad, Casemiro, Bruno, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Mount; Cunha.
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Photo by News Images via depositphotos.com
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