Sixth-placed Manchester United play third placed Chelsea in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Thursday night.
A defeat for the home side would all but end any hopes of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League, whereas Chelsea will look to further cement their position in third but have failed to win in their eight previous visits to Old Trafford. In this run, United have managed to keep five clean sheets.
Despite the end of the season looming with no trophy on the way for United, their players will still be keen to end the season on a high note, wanting to impress incoming boss Erik ten Hag. If Chelsea can avoid defeat in the game, they will guarantee a top-five finish, ensuring they finish above United.
What time is Manchester United v Chelsea?
Manchester United v Chelsea kicks off at 7.45pm on Thursday, April 28, at Old Trafford.
Is Man Utd v Chelsea on TV? What about streaming?
Yes, Manchester United v Chelsea will be broadcast on live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting from 7pm. Viewers can also live stream the match on a variety of devices through the Sky Go app.
What’s the latest team news?
United will be without several high-profile players, with manager Ralf Rangnick confirming that captain Harry Maguire, Paul Pogba, Jadon Sancho, Luke Shaw and Edinson Cavani will all miss the game. Aaron Wan-Bissaka needs a late fitness test to assess if he will be involved in proceedings.
Chelsea’s injury problems are lesser in comparison but the Blues will still be without midfielder Mateo Kovacic. Defenders Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Reece James are all due to be assessed. Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi remain long-term absentees.
What have the managers said?
Ralf Rangnick : "We have four more games to play, the next two games are at home at Old Trafford and we will try to get as many points and win as many games as we possibly can. Chelsea is a good team but we know that if we play well it's possible to win the game.
"I don't think it makes sense now to still speak and speculate about the Champions League, we need to be realistic. Even if we win all four games it's not in our hands, what is in our hands is how we play, our level of performance. It's important for this season to finish on the best possible note.
"Obviously, if results are not going well and we lost three of the last four games, the morale, energy in the locker room isn't as good as it would be, still we have to perform, this is what we're getting paid for, it's important for the players, knowing the new manager, to show we are able to beat a team like Chelsea, this is our job, this is what everyone has to do and this is what we have been working for."
Thomas Tuchel: “We would love to be and Manchester United would love to be in a title decider but unfortunately there are two other teams in red and blue who have a word to say and over the last years made their point strongly. So we have to accept it and we have to do everything to try to close the gap and Man United do as well.
"I’m personally very happy to play against Man United at Old Trafford. For me it’s still one of the biggest stages, one of the biggest stadiums, one of the biggest clubs and occasions to play.
"I arrive with a strong club with a strong team, so this is the best way to arrive as a coach and I’m very happy to have this match and it will always be a big match for me, no matter which position and what current form they are in. So we try to prepare in the best way possible and try to win the match tomorrow because Chelsea and Man U is for me, as a football fan and a big fan of the Premier League, a big match. I would always watch it so being part of it now is very nice.”
What are the latest betting odds?
Manchester United – 9/4
Draw – 5/2
Chelsea – 23/20
(Odds courtesy of SkyBet and correct at time of publishing)
Match facts
- Manchester United have lost five of their past eight matches in all competitions.
- United have conceded 51 league goals this season. This is only the second time they've let in 50 or more goals in a Premier League campaign. In 2018/19 they conceded 54.
- Chelsea have only won two of their past 12 matches against Manchester United in all competitions. The Blues did however beat United in the 2018 FA Cup final and 2020 FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
- Chelsea have won only one of their last 13 games at Old Trafford in all competitions (D6, L6), a 1-0 Premier League victory in May 2013.
- The Blues have earned 36 points away from home this season, a total bettered only by Manchester City's 39 points.
