Premier League 2019-20: How Manchester United should line up vs Chelsea

Manchester United v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Manchester United v Chelsea FC - Premier League

Central midfield

Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - 2019 International Champions Cup
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United - 2019 International Champions Cup

For most of the transfer window, Paul Pogba was expected to leave. That, however, hasn’t happened, and he looks set to stay on at United at least for this season.

Pogba is the first choice midfielder in this side; he has the natural ability, technique and presence that the others don’t. The big question now is who is going to partner him.

Based on pre-season form, Scott McTominay is the one that will likely get the role. He has so far been quick across the grass, while also being agile and composed. In essence, he’s all that Nemanja Matic was in his prime.

Of course, Matic and Fred remain in contention to start alongside Pogba as well.

With Chelsea expected to play with high intensity and industry in the midfield, McTominay looks like the perfect one to partner the Frenchman. This will no doubt be a test for the youth graduate to stake a claim to the first team for the season.

Attacking midfield

Manchester United v AC Milan - 2019 International Champions Cup
Manchester United v AC Milan - 2019 International Champions Cup

The attacking midfield will be a highly contested position for United this season. The player that gets the nod here will have to act as the third midfielder as well. This, however, will depend on how the manager decides to set up the team.

The likes of Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Angel Gomes will fancy their prospects here. With the manager looking to play someone that can press higher up the pitch, create openings and still put in a shift defensively, Lingard will likely start here.

Lingard has shown that he’s capable of paying Solskjaer’s high pressing game and is adaptable to system changes. If the team reverts to playing with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford up top, he can comfortably fill in on the wings.

Of most importance, however, is his ability to put in a shift when the team is on the defensive.

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Edited by Musab Abid