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| While Pogba is likely to start the Semi-Final, Kante is out but both make it into our combined XI Image from Shoot |
Manchester United and Chelsea clash in the FA Cup Semi-Final on Sunday at the Wembley. The previous meeting between the two in the FA Cup ended 2-0 in United’s favor when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got the better of then Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri. Even after the appointment of club legend Frank Lampard as their new boss, Chelsea couldn’t get the better of Solskjaer’s Manchester United and have stuttered on all three occasions when the two sides met this season. As they face-off for the fourth time, let’s take a look at the combined team featuring players from either side.
Goalkeeper: David De Gea (Manchester United)
Although the Spaniard hasn’t had the best of seasons for Manchester United with errors becoming more regular to his game, he makes it into the combined eleven mainly due to the fact that his compatriot Kepa Arrizabalaga has had an even worse run with the Blues this season.
Right Back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United)
The England international who joined Manchester United in the summer from Crystal Palace has had an excellent start to his life in Manchester and has produced stellar performances for the club. He has also improved his attacking side of the game which previously drew some critics. Although youngster Reece James has looked very promising playing at right-back for Chelsea, he hasn’t featured in as many games for the Blues this season as Wan-Bissaka has done for Man United.
Left Back: César Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
The Chelsea captain had a good season despite being played at multiple defensive positions. Luke Shaw has also looked decent for Man United but the Spaniard has proven to be a more reliable defender. Marcos Alonso had a poor campaign with the London club and looked way-off from his best and looks set to leave the club.
Center Back: Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
The Englishman has been a colossus for Manchester United at the back following his record move from Leceister City. He also scored the winner against Norwich in the FA Cup Quarter Final and has outperformed his counterpart, Antonio Rudiger by some distance this season.
Center Back: Kurt Zouma (Chelsea)
The Frenchman got a good run of games under Frank Lampard this season and has looked decent in each game he played. He gets the nod over Victor Lindelof who had a mixed season in terms of performances this season with Man United.
Defensive Midfielder: Ngolo Kante (Chelsea)
Coveted as the best holding midfielder in world football. Kante was the easiest and most obvious pick for this role. However, Nemanja Matic has also looked impressive in the second half of the season for Manchester United and deserves a good shout.
Central Midfielder: Paul Pogba (Manchester United)
Kante’s French compatriot Paul Pogba makes the cut ahead of Mateo Kovacic although the Croatian enjoyed a fantastic season with the London based club. This could a debatable selection considering the season Kovacic has had but the passing range and technical brilliance of the Frenchman make him one of the best central midfielders in the modern game.
Central Attacking Midfielder: Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
The Portuguese has taken the English league by storm since his arrival from Sporting Lisbon in January. He has been sensational for Manchester United chipping in with goals and assists and has already proved he’s worth every penny Man United paid for services. He gets the nod over Mason Mount who looked excellent at the start of the season but slowly declined as the season progressed.
Right Winger: Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)
The American international and boyhood Manchester United supporter has produced some scintillating performances for his club lately and he gets the nod over Daniel James. Mason Greenwood has become a regular for Man United in this position since the restart and has also looked equally good, but the ex-Dortmund winger has featured in majority of the games his season, unlike the teenager.
Left Winger: Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
The Manchester United academy graduate is enjoying the best season of his career scoring 21 goals in all competitions this season. This makes him an obvious pick for this spot over Pedro and other Chelsea wingers.
Striker: Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
The former Monaco forward is also enjoying his personal best season with the Red Devils having found the back of the net 22 times. His counterpart Tammy Abraham also had a good season with Chelsea scoring 16 times this season but it’s the Frenchman who makes the cut.
