Man United’s season of struggle faces another stern test when they host Chelsea at Old Trafford on September 20 evening.
Under-fire coach Ruben Amorim has collected only four points from four league game, which also happens to be there worst Premier League start since 1992-93.
The Red Devils were soundly beaten 3-0 by Manchester City in last weekend’s derby, extending a miserable record of just 31 points from 31 matches under Amorim , the worst return of any United manager since World War II.
Chelsea arrive after a midweek Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich but with Cole Palmer rediscovering form.
Man United vs Chelsea predictions from the pundits
Football pundit have shown little hope for Man United to rediscover any form against Chelsea at Old Trafford.
Ex-Chelsea striker Chris Sutton was blunt in his assessment of United’s current state:
“United are arguably the biggest club in the world with a wonderful history of winning things, especially in the Premier League.” He said (via BBC)
“The onus on them is not just to win every week, but to do it in a certain way - with panache, playing great attacking football.
“The system Amorim plays, in his 3-4-3 formation, is OK if you are winning or playing scintillating football but at the moment United are doing neither. …..I really like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, but eventually United will need to win games, to give their fans something to cling on to. “
“Even so, how can you put together a case for United winning this game? I just can’t.
Chelsea are not the finished article either, but they are playing some good stuff. They have also got Cole Palmer firing again, and he will make the difference.”
Prediction: Man United: 1, Chelsea: 2
Former Arsenal playmaker Paul Merson has echoed those doubts, questioning Amorim’s rigid approach.
“I’m a bit lost with Manchester United if I’m being honest. I don’t see where they are going.” He said (via Sportskeeda)
“Ruben Amorim plays the same system every week. When you play that formation, your wing-backs have to be the best players in the team, and that’s not the case at United!”
“I saw Chelsea lose to Bayern in the Champions League and I think they still did alright, and so I’d actually be shocked if Chelsea lose this game at Old Trafford.”
“Manchester United may have a ten or 15 minute window in the game where they dominate but I can’t see them doing enough to get anything out of it.”
“If Chelsea match Manchester United’s system, Amorim’s men will get destroyed. I can’t see anything but a win for the visitors at Old Trafford.
Prediction: Man United: 1, Chelsea: 3.
Legendary striker Alan Shearer called for a reaction from Amorim’s side but offered little optimism:
“It’s a huge game for Amorim. One where they need to see a huge improvement. They can’t be as weak as they were last weekend,” he said (via Metro)
“I haven’t been impressed with anything I’ve seen from them this year and I don’t think that’ll change. Chelsea playing a tough game in the Champions League could help them, so I’ll go for a draw.”
Prediction: Draw.