Early team news for United v Chelsea at Old Trafford
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is this week considering the options for his first starting XI of the 2019/20 Premier League season, against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday.
After a successful and unbeaten pre-season campaign, the Reds are preparing to welcome Frank Lampard’s Blues for an eagerly anticipated league match.
The first competitive fixture of the season is always an exciting occasion for fans and, annually, provides an opportunity to watch new signings in the flesh.
New recruits Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are expected to feature - and possibly start - following their impressive performances throughout Tour 2019.
Our new no.5 Harry Maguire could also make his United debut, after the England defender completed his transfer from Leicester City on Monday. He made four appearances during the Foxes' summer friendlies and hopes to be selected.
In terms of injuries, Eric Bailly will be sidelined until around Christmas after sustaining an injury during last month's recent International Champions Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Shanghai. The Ivory Coast international required surgery and is currently recovering.
Paul Pogba missed last weekend's trip to Cardiff for our final pre-season outing against AC Milan, due to a back spasm that he felt towards the end of last Friday’s training session.
Young goalkeeper Joel Pereira was also omitted from that squad due to a back problem, while Matteo Darmian missed every pre-season friendly due to injuries.
Alexis Sanchez is working on his fitness at the Aon Training Complex, after recently returning to the club following his participation at the Copa America tournament.
It has been speculated that Mason Greenwood could feature against Chelsea on Sunday, after missing the Academy's 2-0 win at Rotherham United in the EFL Trophy - which has been re-branded to the Leasing.com Trophy.
Solskjaer has hinted of the 17-year-old striker’s involvement and predicted last month that he will get more first-team action in the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic could both face their former club after experiencing spells at Chelsea prior to arriving at Old Trafford.
Mata, who signed a new deal over the summer, opened the scoring in last season’s corresponding fixture – the 1-1 draw at the end of April, in our penultimate home game of 2018/19. Watch the highlights of that game below...
WHAT ABOUT CHELSEA?
USA international Christian Pulisic could make his Premier League debut for the Blues, as club legend and all-time leading goalscorer Lampard takes charge of his first competitive match as manager.
Eden Hazard has been the most high-profile departure at Stamford Bridge this summer, after the Belgian playmaker joined Spanish giants Real Madrid.
On Sunday, the Blues are set to be without the injured Callum Hudson-Odoi, Reece James, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Antonio Rudiger.
N’Golo Kante and Willian are also doubtful through injury.
Both managers could give updates on their respective squads in their pre-match press conferences, which are due to take place on Friday.
United begin the new Premier League season against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday, with kick-off at 16:30 BST. Guarantee your seat to this game with a Matchday VIP Experience.
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