MANCHESTER UNITED WILL be without four key players for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea.
The in-form side are counting the cost of last weekend’s derby success with Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Daley Blind all having picked up injuries against Manchester City with the quartet now set for spells in the treatment room.
Carrick was forced off in the final stages of the game at Old Trafford after suffering a calf problem. Rojo replaced Jones for the final 15 minutes of the clash after the centre-half damaged his ankle but the Argentine, according to Louis van Gaal, has been struggling with a stomach issue ever since while Blind has also been ruled out with an ankle problem.
“It is the worst scenario”, said the United boss at his Friday press conference.
Marcos and Phil can both play left central defender, and Jonny Evans is also suspended so I do not have many choices. Daley Blind and Michael Carrick could have played as holding midfields and I do not have another option. It is a puzzle.”
Van Gaal did reveal he’s contemplating starting captain Wayne Rooney in a holding midfield position owing to the absences of both Carrick and Blind.
One other player assured of his place in the side is Juan Mata with Van Gaal pretty much confirming the Spaniard will retain his midfield berth.
“Normally I always put players in the lineup if they’ve played for the opponent, so I think Mata shall play.
“I think Chelsea will be satisfied with a draw, but of course they want to beat us and we want to beat them.”
Injuries at the wrong time of the season unfortunately but team playing with confidence and could still get a result but a lot more difficult now. No Carrick in front of Mc Nair or Blackett either,
How is it the wrong time of the season?
Top 4 in the bag, no more cups, & not challenging for the league.
disaster. Kompany should have been sent off for that tackle on Blind the prcik. christ, rooney will be dropped back to midfield no doubt. hopefully moral will get us a win. will take a draw here in our fight for top 4.
2nd or 3rd is definitely there for the taking but in the scheme of things 4th is the minimum we were hoping for this season so a point away to Chelsea should be a valuable one come the end of season but LVG won’t be sitting back for the draw I think.
Mourinho will set his team up for a draw. It’ll probably be a snooze fest
United have every right to go for a win. Even with injuries we look rejuvenated in the way we are playing and should be able to leave with a positive result
Young left back, Di Maria left wing, with herrara Fellaini and mata in the middle and right. Rooney and falcao upfront
Who is going to replace Carrick as the holding midfielder Jason and who will play centre back instead of Jones?
McNair cb. Don’t need holding mf. 4-4-2.
It seems united now must plot a new game plan. I’d like to see herrara tried at cdm with di Maria and felliani ahead of him. That way there’s still energy in the side and herrara does pass the ball quite well. This would allow Rooney to stay where he plays best , genuinely don’t believe he’s effective at cm or cdm and herrara would support the defenders just as much. As for the defence that’s a problem , Valencia , smalling , McNair and shaw .. Isn’t going to be solid but then again Chelsea don’t have costa. Chelsea have to favourites at present but I wouldn’t be surprised if United got at least a point.
I’ll wait to see the team sheet on Saturday LVG is as slippery as …..