Manchester United and Chelsea dominated the Premier League in the mid-noughties, winning six Premier League titles between them from 2005-2011. However, following the resurgence of Liverpool and Manchester City in recent times, both clubs have struggled to assert the same domestic dominance, going four and eight years respectively without winning the league.
Under Tomas Tuchel, Chelsea are undoubtedly the better-suited of the two clubs to reclaim their former glories, and ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Stamford Bridge this Sunday, here is our combined XI for the Premier League giants.
GK: Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)
While David de Gea has shown an improvement in form in 2021 – saving his last two penalties in the league – Edouard Mendy is amongst the top goalkeepers in world football after reaching a new level in goal for Chelsea this season. The Senegalese has kept seven clean sheets so far in the league and has saved an impressive 29 of the 32 shots he has faced so far this season.
RB: Reece James (Chelsea)
Reece James is in the form of his life at the moment for Chelsea, contributing heavily on both sides of the pitch with an astonishing eight goals and assists in only seven Premier League starts this season.
CB: Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea)
Manchester United have been all over the shop defensively this season, conceding an unprecedented 21 goals in 12 league games. Chelsea, on the other hand, boast the best defensive record in the league – conceding only four goals – with Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger playing an important role at the heart of the Blues backline.
LB: Alex Telles (Manchester United)
With first-choice options Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell out injured, it is slim pickings in the left-back department amongst both sides, with Alex Telles getting the nod ahead of Marcos Alonso for this combined XI.
CM: N’Golo Kante (Chelsea)
N’Golo Kante has been a revelation for Chelsea this season in midfield and has shown a remarked improvement to his game with the ball at his feet, completing 6.3 progressive passes per 90 this season compared to 4.2 in the last campaign.
CM: Scott McTominay (Manchester United)
With Matteo Kovacic injured and Jorginho unable to maintain his stellar form from the last campaign, the second midfield spot goes to Scott McTominay, who has performed admirably for Manchester United considering the chaos around him this season.
CAM: Kai Havertz (Chelsea)
In the number 10 position, Kai Havertz edges out Bruno Fernandes, who is suffering his worst spell of form as a Manchester United player after going 8 league games without a goal. With Lukaku injured, Havertz has played out of position as a false nine at times this season, but his combination of pace, physical stature and technical ability make him one of the most imposing attacking midfielders to play against in the Premier League.
LW: Callum Hudson Odoi (Chelsea)
Callum Hudson Odoi has earned plenty of game-time for Chelsea in recent weeks – starting each of their previous seven matches. The English winger has grown in stature and confidence during this run and has created the most chances for Chelsea this season in the Premier League while also averaging an impressive 3.8 key passes per game.
RW: Mason Mount (Chelsea)
Mason Mount is enjoying a career year at Stamford Bridge this season with three goals and two assists in just six Premier League starts for Chelsea. Mount has become more of a goal threat this season for the Blues – doubling his xG per 90 tallies from last season – while also maintaining his elite level of creativity both from open play and set pieces.
ST: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)
With Romelu Lukaku injured, Cristiano Ronaldo secures his place in our combined XI as the lone-striker. Although plenty has been said about Ronaldo’s adverse impact on Manchester United, the Portuguese striker continues to find the back of the net, scoring 10 goals in all competition for the Red Devils.
[Featured Image Credit: @entirelycfc]
Shivaan Shah