Manchester United vs. Chelsea: Can post-Erik ten Hag feel-good vibes continue as the Cole Palmer show arrives?

What to watch for in the Premier League's marquee weekend matchup

By Chuck Booth

Nov 2, 2024 at 11:36 am ET • 3 min read

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A new era is beginning at Manchester United with Erik ten Hag out and Ruben Amorim slated to take charge of the Red Devils but that doesn't seem like it will be truly underway until the November international break when the new boss takes over. That means that Ruud Van Nistelrooy will get a few more games leading the team that he starred for as a player. After already sparking the United attack in a 6-2 victory over Leicester City in the EFL Cup, the Red Devils will now need to stand up to a tougher challenge in Champions League contenders in Chelsea.

The Blues have been on a tear under Enzo Maresca, but he'll want to bounce back after getting knocked out of the EFL League Cup. It won't be an easy time stopping United's attack, but the defense is still a major issue which is where Cole Palmer and the Blues can get the job done away from home. Palmer has nine goals and seven assists in all competitions so far this season as he develops into an unstoppable force for Chelsea.

Despite ten Hag's underperformance, United has been a team that has created plenty of chances, they just haven't capitalized on them. With an expected goal total of 14.78, United has underperformed by more than six goals, only scoring eight. If enough of those go into the net, Ten Hag is likely still the manager, which is the perfect spot for a new manager bounce. If Van Nistelrooy and Amorim can get Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes firing, this is a side that will shoot up the table quickly, which is why Chelsea should worry in this meeting.

Here are a few things to look out for in the match:

Will the real Bruno Fernandes please stand up?

For better or worse, this is Fernandes' attack, but until facing Leicester where he scored a brace in the EFL Cup, it hasn't felt like it. Fernandes has taken a team high 28 shots in league play, but has yet to score a goal from that. He hasn't been the dominant player in creating chances for others as the rotating issues at striker have forced him to shoot more, but he hasn't been effective in doing so. Fernandes is someone who can be reliable for double digit goals and assists during a season, but that's who United needs if they are to win a trophy this season.

Improvements can come from elsewhere, but this team needs their stars to perform like stars. If they do that, there's no reason why United can't secure a European spot despite their less than ideal start to the campaign.

Set pieces can define the game

Chelsea are susceptible to goals from corners and free kicks. They've allowed the third most goals in those situations in the league. With the addition of Matthijs de Ligt, Manchester United can make things happen from those scenarios and if a team focuses too much on the Dutchman, Casemiro is also lurking. Maresca will likely have identified this risk, but stopping it is easier said than done. Robert Sanchez can be an excellent shot stopper in goal for Chelsea, but he doesn't command the box well and due to injuries and rotation, there hasn't been a settled defense in front of him, so on any given day the players aren't completely comfortable with each other.

The Cole Palmer show

Quickly, Palmer has become one of the most watchable players in the Premier League. At only 22, he has scored 29 Premier League goals to go alongside 17 assists. Most of that has come since joining Chelsea last season where he broke out with a 22-goal season. He has shown that the outburst wasn't a fluke continuing where he left off. Capable of scoring four goals or laying on a hat trick of assists, you can't take your eyes off Palmer. That goes for viewers of the game and the defense. Lose him for a second and something special may happen.