United and Chelsea have at least one thing in common. Both teams are outside the English 'Big Six' after 14 matchdays. Far from their former glory, they are trying to cope with the adversity shown in the league as best they can.
While Erik ten Hag has yet to rediscover the momentum he instilled last season, Mauricio Pochettino is improving against the big boys. The duel between the two men promises to be a fierce affair, but also a test that will fully reflect the progress or shortcomings of both clubs' seasons.
Manchester United adrift
It's quite simple. Since the start of the season, Manchester United have won eight games and lost six in the Premier League. A total that clearly illustrates the condition of the Mancunians. While their midfield and the presence of Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen guide them towards the opposition goal, their bad days plunge them into terrible defeats.
What's more, the players who performed well last season no longer have the same qualities. Casemiro has been absent for most games through injury. Marcus Rashford is no longer at his best and is scoring fewer goals. Antony has not progressed and the demons of the late 2022/23 season are resurfacing. The defence is struggling and making one mistake after another. As a result, United are sometimes behind and unable to make up for it.
Mention should also be made of the clashes between Ten Hag and Jadon Sancho last September. The balance of the team was shaken. And while the problems have been solved, those of the coach have followed one after the other. Unable to renew themselves, the Red Devils are inconsistent.
After suffering a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle at the weekend, they now face the challenge of London. So they will have to find a way to dominate and continue their efforts to relearn how to move forward. "Take things as they are. We need to put things right. I know we're resilient. We can do it," said the Dutch coach after the defeat.
Chelsea persevere
In contrast, and despite having won five, lost five and drawn four, Chelsea appear more serene. And that's thanks to a commitment that is enabling the London club to move forward, particularly by standing up to the big boys. Better organised than last year, and with a greater desire to move forward, as Pochettino has demanded, they are making progress.
In their last five games, the Blues have won twice and scored some fine goals while holding Manchester City to a draw. So, of course, there are still some areas to work on. The defence needs more stability, but the resistance is there.
And that is perhaps one of the cornerstones of the Pochettino method. Showing resilience and adversity while exploiting the attacking qualities of his players. "We have to try and build our confidence and act as a team, we are our own enemy," said the tactician after the Londoners' 3-2 win over Brighton at the weekend. As a result, if the team is bursting with resources, the result is easier to achieve.
"We want to keep the momentum going, build from Brighton and be at the top of the table. It's important for us to be in a different position," the Argentinian told a press conference. It's up to the team to put on a good show against big rivals like Manchester United.
Not to mention the fact that Christopher Nkunku could also make his return to the pitch given that he has finally recovered from injury. The Argentinian coach said he was assessing the possibility of his presence in the squad on Tuesday. In any case, Chelsea will be looking to win at Old Trafford and move up one place in the table.
