5 Things Manchester United Must Get Right If They Are To Win Against Chelsea

David Tully

4 years ago

Categories: Galleries, Manchester United News

Tags: Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes, Chelsea, fred, Manchester United

It is pretty much make or break for Manchester United’s Champions League hopes when they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next Monday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side can close the gap to just three points with a win against the Blues but they will need a number of things to go their way if they are to emerge as victors.

The Red Devils may have thrashed Chelsea in the corresponding fixture at the start of the campaign but a lot has changed since then.

Press the “next page” as we look at five things that must go right for United to clinch a victory next week.

1) Martial has to be on his game

In the Carabao Cup tie back in October, Marcus Rashford was effectively the difference between the two sides. With the 22-year-old out with a back injury, United will need their goal threat to come from elsewhere.

Anthony Martial has to step up to the plate. The Frenchman scored in the standout win against Manchester City in December but he was guilty of missing a clear cut chance versus Liverpool. He is frustratingly inconsistent and fans will be hoping he has one of his good days in front of goal on Monday.

2) Fernandes will need to create openings

United will undoubtedly have less off the ball than the home side. In the league fixture back in August, Chelsea had 54% of possession. In the League Cup at Stamford Bridge, they had 66% of the ball. That means the Red Devils will need to make the most of their counter attacks.

Bruno Fernandes was brought in to both score and create goals. If the Portuguese can come up with the goods against the Blues, he will go some of the way to paying off his £68m transfer fee.

3) The defence has to be watertight

Frank Lampard’s side have struggled at home this season due to the fact a number of clubs have opted to sit deep and exploit the spaces in transition.

To get a result, United will likely have to keep a clean sheet and frustrate their opponents. The likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof will need to be at their best.

4) Keeping the home crowd quiet

The worst thing that could happen on Monday night is if Chelsea get an early goal. It is imperative to keep a lid on the crowd so the home side don’t get their tails up.

If Solskjaer’s side get to half time at 0-0, they’ve got every chance of getting a result, with the home crowd likely to get more anxious as the match goes on.

5) Win the midfield battle

Fred, in particular, has been superb in these big games this season, and the Brazilian will need to be at the top of his game on Monday.

With Nemanja Matic back from suspension, the pair can provide the platform necessary for the likes of Fernandes, Martial and Daniel James to exploit a vulnerable Blues backline.