Manchester United meet Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend as the old rivals go head-to-head at Old Trafford.
Chelsea have made positive steps under the management of Enzo Maresca this season and Manchester United will hope their imminent coaching change can have a similar impact. Ruben Amorim will take the reins during November’s international break but, for now, Ruud van Nistelrooy leads the side on an interim basis.
Ahead of their clash, we’ve picked our Manchester United and Chelsea Combined XI.
Manchester United vs Chelsea – Combined XI
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana – Manchester United
This weekend’s contest will feature two goalkeepers who have had their critics over the last 12 months, though there’s little doubt Andre Onana has made strides at Old Trafford. He’s the joint-leader in the Premier League Golden Glove race despite a poor start for Manchester United, while a sublime double-save at Fenerbahce last week showed what he is capable of.
ANDRÉ ONANA. SENSATIONAL! 🤩
Jose Mourinho’s reaction to this double-save sums it up…
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/YU9x0EfvFD
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 24, 2024
Right-back: Reece James – Chelsea
Reece James is a wonderful footballer. The problem has been that he’s not been able to show it enough. His continued struggle with injury has voided Chelsea of one of the most effective right-backs in Europe for extended periods. Hopes are high that his recent return will not be disrupted by another setback.
Centre-back: Levi Colwill – Chelsea
Levi Colwill has cemented his place in the Chelsea side this season and has justified Enzo Maresca’s faith. One of the best-performing defenders in Europe in his age group, the potential of the 21-year-old is clear. Next in his sights will be a regular role with England.
🏴 Levi Colwill vs Top 5 League U21 Centre-backs
🥇 Blocked shots – 1st
🥇 Long passes – 1st
🥇 Through passes – 1st
🥈 Aerial duels – 2nd
🥈 Interceptions – 2nd
🥈 Passes – 2nd
🥈 Forward passes – 2nd
🥈 Progressive passes – 2nd
🥈 Passes to final third – 2nd
🥈 Key passes -… https://t.co/grOrXn78NJ pic.twitter.com/eIOUL4qcAS— DataMB (@DataMB_) October 29, 2024
Centre-back: Lisandro Martinez – Manchester United
Manchester United’s centre-backs have not covered themselves in glory this season but Lisandro Martinez has the quality to be integral to the incoming Ruben Amorim. Of the ex-Ajax signings brought in by Ten Hag, he’s been arguably the most successful with his combative streak appreciated on the terraces. The World Cup winner could thrive in the new manager’s back-three system.
Left-back: Marc Cucurella – Chelsea
Just over a year ago, Marc Cucurella was being linked with Manchester United as Chelsea looked to cut their losses on the left-back.
Fast forward to today and he’s an irreplaceable part of the side, building on a strong run-in under Mauricio Pochettino to excel under Enzo Maresca. In between, he won Euro 2024 with Spain, earning inclusion in the Team of the Tournament in the process.
Midfield: Moises Caicedo – Chelsea
Another big-money signing who has bounced back from a stuttering start. Caicedo has been outstanding during the season’s opening weeks, leading the Premier League for combined tackles and interceptions (48). His average of 5.4 tackles and interceptions per game is the highest a Chelsea player has recorded since a certain N’Golo Kante in 2020/21.
Midfield: Bruno Fernandes – Manchester United
Bruno Fernandes is not everyone’s cup of tea but the quality the midfielder possesses is undeniable. His high-risk football can frustrate but Fernandes is a chance-creating machine, leading Europe’s top five leagues for key passes and expected assists in 2023/24.
He recorded his 150th goal involvement for Manchester United in midweek. He is just the seventh player across Europe’s top five leagues to have reached that milestone in all competitions since his debut for the club.
A skilful goal from our skipper 💫#MUFC || #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/5yq9snFTIg
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 31, 2024
Midfield: Cole Palmer – Chelsea
An indisputable selection. Cole Palmer has been perhaps the best player in the Premier League this season.
The 22-year-old’s meteoric rise is showing no sign of slowing with Palmer having scored seven goals and created five more in nine games this season. His pass selection, weight of pass and crisp finishing are all outstanding. The magic Mancunian will be out to down Manchester United this weekend.
You won’t find many better ways to seal a hat-trick than this free-kick from Cole Palmer 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/mrtzL6Yuzd
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 28, 2024
Right-wing: Alejandro Garnacho – Manchester United
Alejandro Garnacho has been one of the positives of an otherwise dire season for Manchester United so far. The Argentine has elevated his game in 2024/25, with 10 goals and assists in nine starts across all competitions this season.
Having only turned 20 in the summer, Garnacho is one of a talented crop of youngsters Ruben Amorim can build around.
Left-wing: Pedro Neto – Chelsea
No shortage of wide options for this role but Pedro Neto takes the spot.
The Portugal international can be unstoppable when he builds up a head of steam and his electric pace has helped Chelsea become a real threat on the counter this season. After injury issues in recent seasons, Chelsea will hope the summer signing can fulfil his potential at Stamford Bridge.
Forward: Nicolas Jackson – Chelsea
From flop to feared, Nicolas Jackson has transformed the narrative around him this season. In truth, a return of 17 goals in all competitions last season should have commanded more respect, but some wayward finishing saw the 23-year-old targeted by critics.
He’s shown a more ruthless touch this season with six goals and three assists in nine games, while his all-action running has brought the best out in those around him.
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