The Daily Star Ireland
Old Trafford will play host to one of the Premier League’s classic fixtures as Manchester United take on Chelsea. Both sides enter the match with plenty of injuries and unsettled squads, making this clash as unpredictable as it is important for their early-season campaigns.
Manchester United’s Injury Struggles and Squad Changes
United continue to grapple with fitness issues. Lisandro Martínez, one of the team’s defensive leaders, remains out, joined by big-money summer signing Matheus Cunha. Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot are both doubtful, leaving manager Rúben Amorim with limited options. Bruno Fernandes, who has already opened his Premier League account this season, remains a rare consistent performer in an otherwise inconsistent side.
Summer recruit Bryan Mbeumo has shown early promise with one goal, while Benjamin Šeško—another new arrival—has been eased in from the bench in United’s opening three matches. At the back, 18-year-old French defender Leny Yoro is becoming increasingly important, though goalkeeper Altay Bayindir is yet to fully convince supporters.
This summer also saw sweeping changes to the squad. United parted ways with several high-profile names, including André Onana (Trabzonspor), Victor Lindelöf (Aston Villa), Christian Eriksen (released), Antony (Real Betis), Alejandro Garnacho (Chelsea), Rasmus Højlund (Napoli), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), and Jadon Sancho (Aston Villa). In their place, United brought in goalkeeper Arnaud Lammens (Antwerp), full-back Diego Leon (Cerro Porteño), and attacking reinforcements such as Cunha (Wolves), Mbeumo (Brentford), and Šeško (RB Leipzig).
Amorim is expected to set up with Bayindir in goal, a back three of Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Luke Shaw, with Patrick Dorgu and Amad Diallo providing width. In midfield, Casemiro should partner teenager Kobbie Mainoo, who could make his first league start of the campaign.
Chelsea’s Reinforced Attack but Key Absences
Chelsea also enter the match with injury problems of their own. Liam Delap, Levi Colwill, and Dário Essugo are unavailable, while Cole Palmer remains a doubt. Even so, Enzo Maresca’s squad boasts attacking depth, with João Pedro (2 goals, 2 assists) already making himself indispensable. Estevão, Garnacho, and Pedro Neto provide youthful energy and creativity, while Enzo Fernández (2 goals, 1 assist) and Moisés Caicedo anchor the midfield.
The Blues were once again hyperactive in the summer transfer window. They bid farewell to forwards Nicolas Jackson (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), and Christopher Nkunku (AC Milan), while welcoming in a wave of fresh talent. Among the notable arrivals are Jorrel Hato (Ajax), Buonanotte (Brighton), Essugo (Sporting), João Pedro (Brighton), Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (Dortmund), Estevão (Palmeiras), Garnacho (from Manchester United), and Delap (Ipswich).
Reece James is expected to return at right-back, providing stability in defense, while Estevão and Garnacho could be tasked with stretching United’s backline on the flanks.
Prediction
The tactical battle should be fascinating: United will likely rely on transitional play, seeking to break through Chelsea’s press, while the Blues will look to dictate possession and exploit spaces with pace and technical quality. Fernandes’ leadership and Šeško’s physical presence could make the difference for United, while João Pedro remains Chelsea’s biggest threat in the final third.
Yet despite United’s home advantage, Chelsea have dominated this rivalry in recent years, with four consecutive victories as part of a 17-match unbeaten run against the Red Devils. Current form and squad availability lean in Chelsea’s favor, though United are desperate to make a statement after a rocky start.
Prediction: Manchester United 1 – 3 Chelsea
