Manchester United 4-0 Chelsea: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis

#2 Manchester United’s youthful exuberance trumps Chelsea’s youngsters

Rashford and Martial were the stars of the show

Throughout the 2019 summer break, Manchester United and Chelsea were touted as teams being in transition. The former was embarking on its first complete Premier League escapade under Solskjaer whereas the latter had turned to Frank Lampard, in an attempt to stabilise a creaking boat.

Both managers though, were relatively quiet in the transfer window. While the Englishman was forced to do so, the Norwegian decided to entrust the players at his disposal with the club’s massive rebuilding project. Thus, the naming of several youngsters in both playing elevens on Sunday wasn’t exactly a surprise.

Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford were asked to spearhead the hosts’ attack and were supported by Pereira and Scott McTominay. In defence, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka made their debuts while Daniel James and Mason Greenwood too got a piece of the action.

Most of the Red Devils’ youngsters came to the part and that enabled them to stick four past Chelsea. Lingard, McTominay and Pereira were a bundle of energy throughout with James, Martial and Rashford applying the finishing touches.

In contrast, a few of Chelsea’s youngsters failed to live up to their billing and turned in average displays.

Andreas Christensen and Zouma looked out of their depth in defence and Emerson’s positioning was also found out. In attack, though Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount sparkled intermittently, they failed to combine those facets when opportunities presented itself.

However, positively for Chelsea, the 4-0 score-line flattered the hosts a touch. The visitors seemed sharp in the first half and highlighted that there was plenty of potential to be harnessed among their ranks.

And, while they would have liked to start on a winning note, the Blues’ performance certainly showed enough promise for the season ahead.