Michael Carrick to make 4 big changes vs Chelsea as £65m Man Utd star returns

Manchester United will be aiming to return to winning ways in Saturday’s Premier League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Red Devils have dropped five points from their previous two league encounters against Bournemouth and Leeds United.

The club have been subject to some dubious refereeing decisions, but will still be disappointed with their defensive resolve.

United are still seven points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea and look on course to qualify for the Champions League next term.

They face a sterner challenge this weekend with Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire suspended for the league encounter.

Martinez received an unfortunate red card for violent conduct against Leeds. The Argentine is poised to miss the next league games.

Harry Maguire was previously handed a one-match ban for his sending-off at Bournemouth.

The punishment has been increased to another game due to ‘improper conduct‘ towards the fourth official on that day.

Keeping that in mind, interim manager Michael Carrick could make up to four changes for the trip to west London on Saturday.

With Maguire and Martinez suspended, it is quite obvious that Ayden Heaven will make a long-awaited return to the line-up.

The former Arsenal graduate is poised to partner Leny Yoro in the heart of the defence for United.

Heaven has not started a league match under Carrick’s tutelage, with his last start being the 2-2 draw at Burnley in early January under caretaker Darren Fletcher.

He has managed just 15 minutes since then, and the 19-year-old has the chance to prove his credentials against Liam Rosenior’s side.

The second change will obviously come at right-back with Diogo Dalot being reinstated ahead of Noussair Mazraoui once more.

Mazraoui had an average outing against Leeds from the starting XI, and his positioning was pretty average during the first half.

Dalot’s recent absence due to illness paved the way for Mazraoui to start, but he could not capitalise.

Dalot came off the bench to replace him and should return to the XI against the Blues.

Manuel Ugarte had another poor outing in the centre of the park for United. The Uruguayan got a rare start with Kobbie Mainoo being injured.

Ugarte won just one out of four aerial duels contested. He lost possession 11 times and failed to cut down the cross for Leeds’ opener.

Carrick described Mainoo’s absence as a ‘small issue‘. Based on that, we anticipate him to return and partner with Casemiro in midfield.

The fourth change could happen in the final third with Amad Diallo making way for Bryan Mbeumo on the right side of United’s attack.

Amad got himself into several good scoring positions on Monday night, but he lacked the cutting edge in front of goal until his substitution.

He has not made a single goal contribution for United since mid-December against Bournemouth.

Carrick has repeatedly trusted him to start in recent matches, but we believe he is quickly turning into Antony because of his poor end product.

Mbeumo was a surprise substitute on Monday night. His form has not been much better this year, but the £65 million signing has superior finishing skills.

Unlike Amad, Mbeumo has shown a willingness to deliver crosses from the right wing, which could be effective given Benjamin Sesko’s aerial presence upfront.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .