Manchester United will be doing their best on Saturday to set things straight against their upcoming opponents. Huddersfield Town are coming to Old Trafford and Jose Mourinho’s players will be eager to get a revenge. Last time these two sides met, for the first time in England’s top tier after more than 40 years, Huddersfield won 2-1.
That was a meek performance from the Devils after which first bigger voices of discontent have been heard amongst fans. Manchester United went on to win eight of their next 10 matches after the Huddersfield defeat, but this time United will have to bounce back after a loss to Tottenham.
Manchester United Need To Bounce Back
Spurs have been exceptional and Wednesday night and deservedly won 2-0, becoming the first team to beat United in 2018. That is why the team must show improvements against the newly-promoted side. They need to make sure it was only a fluke last time. Jose Mourinho also thinks this will be a “good day to play well”.
“”I think it’s a day to bring happiness, to bring joy. For people to be together enjoying the game and at the same time showing all the respect for the people and their families”, said Mourinho in press conference as this match will be the closest one to the 60th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster.
That will be another reason for Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba to return to their best ways. David Wagner’s side did well against United last time out, even though the visitors were appalling. The Terriers deserved the praise they got, but this time they will have to be more careful.
It is also expected of them to be more cautious at Old Trafford. Manchester United will be attacking right from the off and it will be unexpected to see the visitors pressing around similarly to how Tottenham did it on Wednesday.
Fellaini Is Out
Alexis Sanchez will be one of those who will especially want to impress everyone. This will be his first Manchester United appearance in front of home fans, but Marouane Fellaini will be one of those sidelined.
“They [the medical team] are still working on it. It’s an injury and I feel sorry for him personally and I feel sorry for the team because he’s an important player for us.
“He has a problem in his knee – it’s the same knee [as previous injuries] but not the same location. It was internal, now it’s external, so let’s wait probably a couple more days, but of course he is out of the game tomorrow”, Mourinho confirmed on Friday.
This means Fellaini will be out of contention, as well as Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Romelu Lukaku did not look very exciting against Tottenham and it is possible the Belgian is feeling a bit tired. He has played virtually every minute this winter and he could do with a rest. However, it is not expected to see him start on the bench on Saturday. With Lukaku, Sanchez and Jesse Lingard, United should have enough about them to beat Huddersfield comfortably.
The problem is when bigger sides arrive and United’s lack of attacking structure resurfaces.
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