Manager snubbed for Erik ten Hag will head to Old Trafford this week with a point to prove

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Manchester United take on Chelsea on Wednesday in what is a game that has many layers to it.

A tough-to-take loss on the weekend for Manchester United means they are six points from the Premier League’s top four.

In sharp contrast to where United were a week ago after their dominant win over Everton, once again the talk this week will be about the manager’s future.

It’s a truly massive game against Chelsea on Wednesday, a side managed by a manager who could have been in the United dugout if things had been different, Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino bidding to prove United wrong

As mentioned, there are many layers to this game at Old Trafford. According to The Athletic, Pochettino was the other target for the Red Devils following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking.

Instead, the club went for Erik Ten Hag and during the first year, it looked like the club went for the right decision but due to the mixed results, fans are losing patience with the former Ajax manager.

During Pochettino’s time at PSG, the Argentine looked to be keen on moving to Old Trafford mid-season from the French side but the Parisian outfit wouldn’t countenance it in the middle of the campaign.

The Athletic’s report details how Pochettino actually had a meeting with the United hierarchy and impressed the decision-makers.

So there will be an added incentive for the former Tottenham manager to get one over the Red Devils.

It would be a big message to the fanbase if he could pick up a victory against a Chelsea side who beat Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton & Hove Albion over the weekend.

However, if United were to lose then the pressure would be ramped up and the Argentine would be able to show the Old Trafford hierarchy what they have been missing.

Where the game will be won and lost

Both sides are going through a rather ridiculous injury crisis, but there is a chance that Christopher Nkunku could make his debut for Chelsea.

However, the midfield is where the game will be won and lost.

United have to be more compact in midfield, if they allow Chelsea to control the engine room and create chances for their attackers, it could be a long evening for the Red Devils.

Playing a midfield of Kobbie Mainoo and Sofyan Amrabat would be the ideal foil for Chelsea’s attack, if the Reds go toe to toe with the West London club they will lose.

Perhaps being a bit more defensive may well be the way to go on Wednesday.