Confirmed: Carrick's XI to face Chelsea

Sunday 28 November 2021 15:30

Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick has named his team to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

There are a total of four changes to the starting XI that won at Villarreal in midweek, which includes the suspended Harry Maguire being replaced by Eric Bailly in the centre of defence.

The rest of the back five is unchanged, with David De Gea in goal, Victor Lindelof lining up alongside Bailly, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Alex Telles are in the full-back positions.

In the absence of Maguire, Bruno Fernandes will captain the side as he and Nemanja Matic both come into the side. Matic will be joined in midfield by Fred and Scott McTominay.

Jadon Sancho, who scored his first United goal in Spain on Tuesday, keeps his place, while midweek substitute Marcus Rashford starts from the off.

Carrick's pre-match interview Video

Carrick's pre-match interview

Michael explains his four changes and why Luke Shaw isn't in the 20-man matchday squad...

Explaining his selections to club media, Carrick said: "It's a terrific squad to pick from. There's a few little tweaks and changes from the other night. The boys who have come out of the team have been terrific around the group, fantastic.

"In and around the group, and in and around the changing room, as the other boys were the other night. It's a real team effort, a real squad effort, and we're looking forward to the game today."

The boss added that Luke Shaw, who missed the Champions League outing, remains absent because of the head injury he suffered against Watford last weekend.

"He didn't quite get fit enough in time for the game. So it's unfortunate for Luke, but it is what it is," added Carrick. "We look forward to the game with what we've got for sure, and I think it will be a good one."

The hosts line-up with a back three of Chalobah, Thiago Silva and Rudiger, supported by James and Alonso as wing-backs.

Jorginho and Loftus-Cheek will occupy the midfield, with Ziyech, Werner and Hudson-Odoi the attacking options for the Blues.

 

TEAM LINE-UPS

United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Lindelof, Telles; Matic, McTominay, Fred, Fernandes (c); Sancho, Rashford.

Subs: Henderson, Dalot, Jones, Lingard, Mata, van de Beek, Greenwood, Martial, Ronaldo.

Chelsea: Mendy; James, Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Rudiger, Alonso; Jorginho (c), Loftus-Cheek; Ziyech, Werner, Hudson-Odoi.

Subs: Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Saul, Barkley, Havertz, Mount, Pulisic, Lukaku.

Recommended: