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2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 15
Manchester United v Chelsea
Old Trafford
Manchester, England
Wednesday, 6 December 2023
Kick-off is at 22h15
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is backing his team to put things right when they welcome Chelsea to Old Trafford on Wednesday, December 6.
The Red Devils were poor in their 1-0 defeat to a patched-up Newcastle at St James' Park on December 2, having been dominated for 80 minutes before showing some signs of life in the closing stages.
Ten Hag's side saw a three-match winning streak come to an end in the
Premier League as the Magpies leapfrogged them into sixth position and they are now five points adrift of the top four.
Aston Villa occupy the final UEFA Champions League place and they only managed to pick up a point on matchday 14 after being held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Alamy Stock Photo
The Blues aided United's efforts by beating Brighton 3-2 at Stamford Bridge on December 3 to leave the Seagulls two points behind them in eighth spot.
Mauricio Pochettino's side halted a two-game winless run to close within two points of West Ham in 10th place, although Brentford are breathing down their West London rivals' necks in 11th position after recording a 3-1 win over Luton at the Gtech Community Stadium to remain level on 19 points.
Harry Maguire was United's best player on the pitch on Tyneside, making a number of crucial blocks and tackles to thwart the hosts. The England defender has enjoyed an extended run in the team due to an injury crisis at the back and helped keep three successive clean sheets prior to Anthony Gordon's 55th minute winner.
Alamy Stock Photo
Enzo Fernandez finally broke his Chelsea duck with a match-winning brace against Albion, heading home the opener in the 17th minute before beating Jason Steele from the penalty spot on 65 minutes. The Argentine midfielder has become a more influential figure in the team this season after initially struggling for form since making a big-money move from Benfica in January 2023.
Ten Hag has faith in the resilience of his players to bounce back from a disappointing week and urged them to get embark on another good run like they did after the derby defeat to Manchester City.
"This week, it was not in our advantage but you have to take it as it is. We have to put this right. I know we are resilient. We can do that," the Dutchman said.
"Several weeks ago, we lost to [Manchester] City and then we had a good run [in the Premier League], so we have to get back to a good run."
Pochettino was proud as punch for the character Chelsea displayed after Conor Gallagher received his marching orders at the end of the first half and stressed the importance of playing as a team to overcome the challenge from Brighton.
"I am so proud of the players and the character they showed," the Argentine said. "I told them at half-time I was happy because it was a great opportunity for us, a massive challenge. We needed to show that we are a team. That is something that for sure will improve us.
"Most importantly, I think we needed this type of game that challenged us and the opportunity to understand that we need to be a team and behave like a team out there. I am pleased for that and of course we are going to improve because we have very talented players."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Man United - 1
Chelsea - 0
Draws - 4
Premier League Matchday 15 fixtures:
Tuesday, December 5
20h30: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Burnley
21h15: Luton Town v Arsenal
Wednesday, December 6
20h30: Brighton & Hove Albion v Brentford
20h30: Crystal Palace v Bournemouth
20h30: Fulham v Nottingham Forest
20h30: Sheffield United v Liverpool
21h15: Aston Villa v Manchester City
21h15: Manchester United v Chelsea
Thursday, December 7
20h30: Everton v Newcastle United
21h15: Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
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