Manchester United will be desperate to bounce back when they face Chelsea at Old Trafford on Saturday, with head coach Ruben Amorim under growing pressure after a stuttering start to the season.
The Red Devils were humbled 3-0 by Manchester City in last weekend’s derby at the Etihad, leaving them 14th in the Premier League with just four points from their opening four matches. Amorim’s men are still without a clean sheet this term and face the reigning world champions, who themselves lost in midweek against Bayern Munich.
Chelsea have not tasted victory at Old Trafford since 2013, when Juan Mata struck late to secure a 1-0 win. Amorim will be hoping to preserve that record and ease the mounting scrutiny on his side.
Mason Mount back in the squad
United’s midfield has been handed a lift with Mason Mount declared fit to return. The England international was forced off against Burnley before the September international break and subsequently missed the Manchester derby. Amorim confirmed the 26-year-old will be available for selection on Saturday.
- Injury: Unknown issue
- Return date: 20 September
Matheus Cunha in line for comeback
There is also positive news regarding summer signing Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian forward suffered a hamstring injury in the win over Burnley and sat out the defeat to City. While Amorim may manage his minutes carefully, Cunha is expected to be in the squad against Chelsea.
- Injury: Hamstring
- Return date: 20 September
Diogo Dalot ruled out
Portuguese full-back Diogo Dalot remains unavailable due to a muscle injury sustained earlier this month. He withdrew from international duty and Amorim confirmed he will not feature this weekend.
- Injury: Muscle
- Return date: Unknown
Lisandro Martinez still sidelined
Lisandro Martinez continues his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that has kept him out for seven months. The Argentine has returned to light training but the Chelsea match comes too soon.
- Injury: Knee (ACL)
- Return date: Unknown
Tyrell Malacia steps up training
Tyrell Malacia, the last remaining member of United’s so-called “bomb squad” following the exits of other exiled players, has rejoined training with the Under-21s. After failing to secure a move in the summer window, he could yet depart with Saudi and Greek markets still open.
- Injury: N/A
- Return date: Training with U21s
“(Diogo) Dalot is out. Mason is in the squad and Cunha is in the squad. Licha (Lisandro Martinez) is still out. (Tyrell Malacia) is returning to the contact with team-mates and the ball in the Under-21s and then we will see.” <cite>— Ruben Amorim
Analyst verdict: welcome returns, but defensive gaps remain
FootballPlace analyst John William believes United’s injury picture is mixed ahead of a crucial fixture:
“Getting Mount and Cunha back is a big boost, especially with United needing more creativity and cutting edge after the derby loss. But the ongoing absence of Dalot and Martinez leaves defensive gaps that Chelsea could look to exploit. If United are to turn things around, they must find greater solidity at the back, while trusting Mount and Cunha to provide the spark in attack.”
Key insights
- Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha both return for United vs Chelsea.
- Diogo Dalot misses out with a muscle injury.
- Lisandro Martinez remains sidelined with a long-term knee issue.
- Tyrell Malacia back training with U21s but future uncertain.
- United sit 14th with four points from four games, still chasing first clean sheet.
What’s next for Manchester United?
United welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford on Saturday, looking to protect a 12-year unbeaten home record against the Londoners. A victory would ease pressure on Amorim and lift spirits before their next run of fixtures.
Failure to win, however, would deepen the crisis and heighten scrutiny on the Portuguese coach. The returns of Mount and Cunha give United hope — but defensive fragility remains the major concern.
👉 Will the returns of Mount and Cunha be enough to inspire Manchester United past Chelsea at Old Trafford?
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