This Saturday, league leaders Chelsea play host to a rampant Manchester United. However United travel to Stamford Bridge with their defensive backbone broken. Michael Carrick (calf), Phil Jones (ankle), Daley Blind (ankle) and Marcos Rojo (adductor) are all out injured for the Red Devils.
Blind, Carrick and Jones all started against Manchester City last week, with United prevailing 4-2 victors at Old Trafford leaving Manchester red. Apart from a shaky opening 10 minutes, their solidity shut down City and allowed Carrick to smoothly operate in midfield, protecting the back four. Carrick will be a great miss for United, as his current 89.6% pass success rate provided defensive control in the center of the pitch. Carrick’s calmness in the midfield has been hailed as key to Manchester United’s resurgence in the league to 3rd position.
There is no like for like player that can easily replace Carrick in his lone central defensive position, which may mean a swap in formation for Louis van Gaal. In order to cover his defensive back four, he may need to switch to a 4-3-3, from 4-1-4-1, so that Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera can both provide a presence ahead of their weakened defense.
Daley Blind follows Carrick as another big blow for United. Blind has been a key defensive agent with his ability to adapt to other positions. In his previous start against Manchester City Blind played in the left back position, but has also been stretched to center back, defensive midfielder and central midfielder. Blind’s defensive vision will be sorely missed as he provided 3.6 interceptions per Premier League game, the third highest in the league.
After showing some surprisingly strong defensive capabilities, Ashley Young looks on current form to be the best replacement. Sadly for Manchester United this would mean restricting their attacking ability with Young on hot form when deployed further up the pitch.
Injured Phil Jones ranks just behind Blind with 3.5 interceptions per game, in fourth. Jones, who is tipped to become a commanding center back back for Manchester United and England, has appeared 19 times in the Premiership this season for the Red Devils. He has provided consistency in defense since Manchester United’s 3-0 victory over arch rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford, back on December 13th 2014.
With Jones out, and Jonny Evans still banned, it looks like the return of Paddy McNair to the Manchester center defense. Bit part player McNair has provided cover when needed, but is not near Jones’ quality this season, and will need to be in fine form to prevent the likes of Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and Willian from challenging David De Gea.
Marcos Rojo is the last defensive absentee for United. Other than Carrick, Rojo will be one of the largest losses as, similar to Arsenal’s Koscielny, he provides pace at the back. Chelsea will be racing forward with players like Hazard, Willian and now Loic Remy, who all work brilliantly on the counter attack. Rojo when fit provided on average 6.6 clearances per game, only beaten by Phil Jones with an average of 7.3.
With Rojo’s pace, Jones’ strength, Carrick’s coolness and Blind’s vision all missing, players such as Hazard will be relishing the chance to embarrass their northern rivals. Manchester United’s defensive dilemma could mean an abrupt end to their recent string of commanding results.
