Manchester United host Chelsea at Old Trafford tonight in a battle of two teams looking to recover some form.
Ralf Rangnick’s hosts continued their miserable campaign with back-to-back comprehensive defeats by Liverpool and Arsenal, while a Blues team led by the German’s former protege Thomas Tuchel have gone off the boil since their agonising Champions League elimination at the hands of Real Madrid, leaving it late to see off West Ham in a London derby on Sunday.
Here, Standard Sport’s James Robson looks at three key issues ahead of this evening’s clash...
Ronaldo on a mission
It caused a stir when Cristiano Ronaldo was left out of United’s starting XI at Stamford Bridge back in November. Was it a sign that Rangnick, still not officially in place then, did not fancy him?
The Portuguese great continues to defy his age, has 27 goals for club and country this season and remains the greatest danger to Chelsea tonight. Seven goals in his last five appearances for United suggest he’s determined to end the season on a high.
Pile on the misery
It will be fascinating to see the reaction of the Old Trafford crowd if Chelsea take control early on.
There have been protests against the owners, the Glazers, and Paul Pogba has been the target for abuse, with fans’ patience pushed to the limit. That can work in Chelsea’s favour if they apply further pressure.
A game of this magnitude might also help to shake Tuchel’s side from the funk that seems to have set in since Champions League elimination. They seemed to sleepwalk through Sunday’s win against West Ham – perhaps this will sharpen the senses.
Master vs apprentice
Tuchel has spoken repeatedly about how Rangnick is the man who steered him towards coaching – and everyone at Chelsea should be eternally grateful for that.
Few would argue that the Blues boss has not overtaken his mentor and United’s own interest in appointing him is evidence of the esteem in which he is held.
Despite his own regard for Rangnick, Tuchel will not be looking to do him any favours tonight as he looks to cement third place and underline Chelsea’s credentials as the best placed team to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool next season.
