Ruud van Nistelrooy takes charge of his first Premier League match since being appointed caretaker manager of Manchester United this afternoon. The Red Devils host fifth-placed Chelsea less than a week after sacking Erik ten Hag.
Van Nistelrooy guided United to a thrilling 5-2 victory over Leicester in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night. But now his credentials will be tested over whether he is the right fit to take the job permanently further down the line.
Ruben Amorim has been appointed the new United manager but he will not take up his position until the next international break.
Express Sport takes a look at how Van Nistelrooy should line-up to get a result at Stamford Bridge…
Charlie Malam
Sticking with the 4-2-3-1 that worked well against Leicester, Van Nistelrooy should use the confidence gained from a free-flowing attacking performance by sticking with much the same team.
One of the main changes sees Andre Onana return in goal while Lisandro Martinez moves back into centre-back with Noussair Mazrouai returning at left-back. Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro maintain a two-man midfield partnership.
In attack, Marcus Rashford has struggled of late so perhaps it’s time to give Amad a go on the right wing. That might give Rashford extra motivation off the bench versus a team he likes scoring against. Rasmus Hojlund leads the line over Joshua Zirkzee.
Starting XI: Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Ugarte, Casemiro; Garnacho, Fernandes, Amad; Hojlund
Alex Turk
Manchester United have confirmed Ruben Amorim as the club’s new head coach, but he’s starting on November 11. There’s little point in attempting a 3-4-3 system until his arrival.
So, Ruud van Nistelrooy should stick with what he and his players are familiar with. Diogo Dalot’s mistakes are piling up; he looks in desperate need of a breather. Jonny Evans is so reliable.
Manuel Ugarte deserves to keep his place next to the rejuvenated Casemiro in midfield, and it’d be difficult to shake up the attack after scoring five goals for the first time since 2021 midweek.
If we’re being picky, Marcus Rashford should switch back to the left wing, with Alejandro Garnacho on the right. He needs to get more involved.
Starting XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Evans, Martinez; Ugarte, Casemiro; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund.
Archie Griggs
There is no need for Van Nistelrooy to make sweeping changes to the winning formula he stumbled upon against Leicester in midweek.
Casemiro should be rewarded for his strong performance with a start against Chelsea. Manuel Ugarte also did enough to keep his place in the middle of the park ahead of Kobbie Mainoo.
Rasmus Hojlund, Noussair Mazraoui and Andre Onana were rested against the Foxes and should be in the starting line-up this weekend. Amad Diallo may also get a chance to shine after his impressive cameo against Leicester, with Marcus Rashford dropping to the bench.
Starting XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Ugarte; Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund.
Jack McEachen
Van Nistelrooy got off to the perfect start against Leicester’s second string, but he knows that Chelsea will provide the first real test of his interim tenure.
Both Casemiro and Ugarte will be needed in order to have a chance at stopping Cole Palmer. But despite scoring five in midweek, scoring goals has been a major concern in the Premier League for United.
Neither Hojlund nor Zirkzee have been unable to get firing and Rashford through the middle may yet be the solution. An attacking trident of Rashford, Garnacho and Amad has rarely been utilised but it is time to restore the Ivorian from the fringes and give Chelsea’s backline a serious test – especially on the counter.
Starting XI: Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Ugarte; Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford
Fraser Watson
It was an uplifting night for Ruud van Nistelrooy and Manchester United on Wednesday, but the Dutchman will know the true test of his caretaker credentials comes this Sunday at Chelsea.
Wholesale changes won’t be necessary following the 5-2 win over Leicester, but given the home’s side threat going forward he cannot again name an XI with a makeshift left back. Diogo Dalot, despite favouring the opposite side, should return to that role with Lisandro Martinez shifting into the centre of defence and Noussair Mazraoui starting on the right.
Joshua Zirkzee is unlikely to be given another start in the role of central striker either. The presence of Rasmus Hojlund would do more to trouble the Chelsea defence, with the Dane more equipped to bring Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho into play around him.
Starting XI: Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Ugarte; Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
