Chelsea boss Graham Potter believes that a Manchester United quartet are central to the side’s success, and he feels they will prosper this season.
United have been on an upwards trajectory this season. Following the last campaign, when they finished sixth, change was needed to see the side improve.
New manager Erik ten Hag appears to have struck a chord with the squad so far. Indeed, the Red Devils currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, one point below fourth-placed Chelsea.
They have found form at the right time, too. A 6-3 drubbing from rivals Manchester City at the beginning of October was not a great look for the side.
However, since that point, United have looked inspired. Indeed, they have not lost any of their five games since that point, and have come out on top in four of those fixtures.
A 2-0 win over third-placed Tottenham last time out was a statement victory for Ten Hag’s men.
Continuing to come away from big games results will be key for United. Indeed, they will be keen on finishing the season in a better manner than they did last term.
Their next game against Chelsea represents another tough test. A win over the Blues would mean United leapfrog them, and enter the top four.
While United might feel heading to Stamford Bridge will be difficult, Chelsea boss Potter thinks playing United right now is a difficult challenge.
“It wasn’t a great start for them [Manchester United] but they’ve battled back, got the points on the board and are playing well. It will be a tough game,” he said, quoted by Metro.
Graham Potter hails United quartet
Potter also seemingly feels that four of United’s most in-form stars will offer the biggest challenge.
“They’ve changed how they build up, they can be a bit more direct but at the same time they have the same quality,” he said.
“They have the threats of [Marcus] Rashford, Antony, [Jadon] Sancho and [Bruno] Fernandes, who plays a key role for them.”
Indeed, each of those stars have been in form so far this campaign. Antony, United’s marquee £85million summer signing, has hit the ground running.
The Brazilian scored in each of his first three games for United, becoming the first man to do so in 50 years.
Rashford has come good again, after he had a tough time last season, scoring just five goals in all competitions. He has already matched that tally this term, and was named the Premier League’s player of the month for September.
Sancho has contributed to five goals so far this season and Fernandes has been involved in four.
Potter also feels that United will continue to prosper throughout the season.
“They’ve adapted more to each other now and learned more about each other which is a normal process. I’m pretty sure they will get better and better as time goes on,” he added.
United will hope that is true, and that they put in a good performance against the Blues.
