Chelsea vs Manchester United: 5 players to watch out for | Premier League 2021-22

Chelsea vs Manchester United - Premier League
Chelsea vs Manchester United - Premier League

#3 Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United

Bruno Fernandes was on the bench against Villarreal on Wednesday.
Bruno Fernandes was on the bench against Villarreal on Wednesday.

Manchester United have not been at their best this term. Although Bruno Fernandes struggled in his recent outing against Watford, he has had more goal involvement than any other player for the club.

He was dropped to the bench by Carrick in the Champions League game against Villarreal. Nevertheless, he picked up the assist for Jadon Sancho in the 90th minute during a 25-minute cameo. During that period, he also had two key passes, more than any other player in the game.

Fernandes could again start from the bench at Chelsea. But his creativity in the final third and distribution could come in handy against the defensively solid league leaders.


#2 Christian Pulisic | Chelsea

Christian Pulisic is back from a lengthy injury layoff.
Christian Pulisic is back from a lengthy injury layoff.

Christian Pulisic was out of action for over two months before returning for a five-minute cameo against Burnley. He marked his return with a goal against Leicester City last week. He could be a great player in the final third, with striker Romelu Lukaku still out with an ankle injury.

The Chelsea player's pace and trickery in front of goal make him a threat. With Maguire suspended and Raphael Varane out because of injury, Pulisic could exploit a weakened United defence.


#1 Cristiano Ronaldo | Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored ten goals for Manchester United across competitions this season.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored ten goals for Manchester United across competitions this season.

Cristiano Ronaldo has come to Manchester United's rescue time and again this season. Most recently, he was on the scoresheet in the Champions League game at Villarreal. That made him the only player to score in the first five group-stage games in the Champions League for a Premier League team.

However, he lacked ruthlessness in front of goal in the 4-1 defeat at Watford. He did bag an assist for United's only goal of the game, scored by Donny van de Beek. But that was too little too late.

Despite being 36, he is Manchester United's best player, having scored ten times across competitions this season. It is the determination to remain on top that makes him a dangerous opponent to go up against. However, he needs to overcome his recent barren run in the Premier League - one goal in his last seven games.

He won't have things easy against Chelsea, who have the best defensive record in the league this season. Moreover, Ronaldo has not scored a league goal against Chelsea in ten games. However, considering his big-game pedigree, he'll look to end his barren run in the league against the Premier League leaders.

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