A few surprise selections for the game were made, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s omission from the starting XI
Gary Neville believes that the incoming Manchester United manager had a say in picking the starting line-up for the game against Chelsea on Sunday.
Michael Carrick is currently in caretaker charge at present and the line-up sprung a few surprises – the most notable being Cristiano Ronaldo’s omission from the starting XI, who could only make the bench.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been dropped for United's visit to Stamford Bridge 🚨 pic.twitter.com/yigEXbqLds
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) November 28, 2021
Meanwhile, United have also opted for a midfield three of Scot McTominay, Nemanja Matic and Fred, with the likes of Donny van de Beek – who also started in midweek – making way.
United are expected to appoint an interim manager imminently, with Ralf Rangnick looking the most likely, with a reported deal agreed with current side Lokomotiv Moscow for the German to take over until the end of the season before moving into a consultancy role.
And Sky Sports pundit Neville believes that Rangnick – or whoever is appointed at Old Trafford – has had a say in the team selection for the game at Stamford Bridge.
On Twitter he said: “A lot of people having a go at Michael Carrick for dropping Ronaldo and picking that MDF.
“I’ve a feeling the the incoming manager has picked that team as it’s a huge departure from midweek and what they’ve been doing.”
A lot of people having a go at Michael Carrick for dropping Ronaldo and picking that MDF. I’ve a feeling the the incoming manager has picked that team as it’s a huge departure from midweek and what they’ve been doing
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) November 28, 2021
Regardless of who has picked the team, United face arguably one of their toughest tests of the season against Thomas Tuchel’s side.
The current European champions have been in free-flowing form of late and deservedly sit top of the Premier League.
At the current time of writing, the score is goalless early into the first-half as Chelsea had the first two chances of the game – the best falling to Callum Hudson-Odoi, who was denied by David De Gea.
Related links:
- Harry Redknapp describes Man United decision to appoint Ralf Rangnick as ‘ridiculous’
- Ralf Rangnick agrees deal to become interim manager at Manchester United
- Roy Keane responds to suggestions he should have been named Man United interim boss
