Here are the five players who could change the game on their own when Manchester United play Chelsea.
The titanic clash between Manchester United and Chelsea have produced some classic games over the last decade. Teams have comprised of pearless individual stars who could decide games on their own.
Individuality is not the sole fearful factor, but it is a role-deciding element – with the player’s capability of changing games on their own. Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard, club record scorers, have won so many games on their own.
However, with plenty of new faces making their way in, the squad of United and Chelsea has revamped over the last three seasons. Additionally, Manchester United and Chelsea have the inexperienced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Frank Lampard in their ranks, as their managers.
The Red Devils deploy 4-3-3, while the Blues stick with 4-2-3-1 – a tactical tweak when compared to Sarri’s Chelsea. There is a slight tactical discrepancy which could prove to be an intriguing game.
We shall look at the five players who have the capability to change the games on their own.
#5 Christian Pulisic (Chelsea):
Chelsea’s new boy Christian Pulisic operates through the left attacking flank under Frank Lampard. The USA International had a good pre-season and showcased his talent by producing good output in the final third.
The forward has an abundance of pace and can stretch the opponent’s defence. The 20-year-old will have to get the better of United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who looked promising in the pre-season as well. Even though pre-season is not a better element to pass on the judgements, both the young stars have looked assured and could produce an eye-catchy performance on Sunday.
The former Borussia Dortmund attacker is likely to link up with the striker Tammy Abraham in the frontline to produce the much-needed goods in the final third. His link-up play with others will be crucial because Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire, who are not renowned for the pace. Pulisic will be more than useful in the counter-attacks and could have his say against David De Gea.
#4 Anthony Martial (Manchester United):
Anthony Martial will be an important member of the Red Devils in the upcoming season. The French International’s output through the middle was exemplary and his figures have not hit low, despite operating through the left-wing currently. At times, his decision making has been bemusing because of inconsistency at a young age.
The former Monaco forward has nimble feet and unpreventable pace – making it live tougher for the opponents to defend against him. If Martial receives a proper supply, he can thrive in a counter-attacking side like United.
During 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge last season, the 23-year-old scored twice to secure a point. It looked impossible for the defenders to stop him, as he looked on song to cause rampage to the backline headed by Cesar Azpilicueta. Apart from the brace, he has not produced sizeable contributions in this fixture, but there’s no shortage of talent.
#3 Paul Pogba (Manchester United):
Manchester United benefitted largely through Paul Pogba when Solskjaer took over in December. He was the heart of the side in the attacking part of the side with piercing through balls and crosses.
From 47 appearances last season, Pogba found the back of the net on 16 occasions and assisted 11 times. Despite being used to taking penalties, it is a truly phenomenal record for a midfielder to rile up those numbers. It was a tough campaign for the former Juventus midfielder – sticking with inconsistency from the start of the season to the very end.
In the second part of the season, it was majorly down to his sulking attitude over a contract standoff. If he manages to produce full committed output, Pogba would be ranked with some of the game’s best currently. He will be used as number 10, and will act as a supplier for Martial and Rashford.
#2 Olivier Giroud (Chelsea):
Olivier Giroud is an excellent backup option for Frank Lampard. His playing style might not suit his new manager’s philosophy, but he has shaped numerous games coming off the bench for Chelsea and Arsenal over the last few years.
The former Arsenal striker has scored two goals against the Red Devils in his Premier League career till date, including the strike while coming on as a substitute at Old Trafford in 2016. United’s backline including Lindelof and Maguire are decent in the air, but Giroud can better the duo.
The 32-year-old might look unconventional, but he is a manager’s dream – as he continues to change games as a substitute. He formed an ultra-fine partnership with Eden Hazard during the second part of the 2017/18 season. That trend could follow with his new teammate Christian Pulisic. Giroud can drag defenders and assist the wingers to show their breakneck pace through counter-attacks.
#1 David De Gea
David De Gea was going through a rough patch when he was let down by the calamitous backline last season. The Spanish International committed a mistake, thereby letting Marcos Alonso score a tap-in from close range in Old Trafford last campaign. The former Atletico Madrid shot-stopper will be wary about those mistakes, and could displace them with a triumphant performance on Sunday.
The 28-year-old is yet to put to paper, but will be the club’s first choice. His individual performance against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur caused shellshock for the opponent fans. His prevention of the ball from finding the back of the net was nothing short of exceptional.
Albeit not enjoying much in this fixture, the Spaniard’s capability is well-known to the public. On his day, even a dinosaur could struggle to get past him. Hence, he is the top on the list.
