Chelsea and Manchester United face off on Monday, looking to earn a place in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. The tie is a repeat of last season’s final, which Chelsea edged 1-0 thanks to a penalty from Eden Hazard, wrapping up their eighth FA Cup.
What if Chelsea and Manchester United could combine their two squads? Well, it would look a lot like a team Chelsea was rumored to be building at one point or another. Set up in a 4-3-3, which Chelsea and Manchester United players would make the cut?
Goalkeeper: David De Gea, Manchester United
Kepa Arrizabalaga may be providing tough competition to De Gea for the Spain No. 1 shirt, but when it comes to the Premier League, the elder of the two Spaniards has the upper hand. De Gea had a shocking World Cup and his form at the start of the season was nothing short of abysmal. But like all great goalkeepers, he has pulled himself together and is close to returning to his usual level. And at that level, there is no better keeper on this green earth than him.
Right Back: Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea
Young has fully deserved his contract extension at United but Azpilicueta’s impressive performances at right-back show how happy he is to be back in his natural position under Sarri.
Centre Back: Victor Lindelof, Manchester United
Lindelof has grown into United’s best centre-back over the last year and his pace, calmness and leadership qualities make him the perfect centre-half. Still plenty of room to develop, too.
Centre Back: David Luiz, Chelsea
After a nightmare final season under Conte, Luiz has been one of the Premier League’s best ball-playing centre-backs alongside Rudiger.
Left back: Luke Shaw, Manchester United
Marcos Alonso would have been the obvious choice for this spot if this feature was done a few months ago. But the Spaniard’s form has nosedived recently (partly due to fatigue and partly because his flank is left completely exposed by Maurizio Sarri’s tactics). Luke Shaw, meanwhile, has returned from the wilderness and is threatening to fulfill the potential that saw him linked to Chelsea early in his career.
Midfielder: N’Golo Kante, Chelsea
Sarri’s bizarre decision to use Kante as an advanced midfielder has made praise rare, but the little Frenchman is the one of the world’s best holding midfielders on his day.
Midfielder: Paul Pogba, Manchester United
A completely different player under Solskjaer, the Frenchman has led United to some important results over the past month. There’s not a Premier League side he wouldn’t get into at the moment.
Midfielder: Ander Herrera, Manchester United
Herrera is one of the underrated stars in the Premier League and has been one of a few stand-out players at United since Solskjaer took charge.
Forward: Marcus Rashford, Manchester United
The in-form England striker is one of many to witness a new lease of life under Solskjaer. He’s at his best now and will cause Chelsea serious problems when they meet on Monday night. Romelu Lukaku is well off the mark.
Forward: Eden Hazard, Chelsea
The Belgium international appears to have had enough of playing for Chelsea, with a move to Real Madrid constantly rumoured, but he is undoubtedly one of the best players in the Premier League. Hazard is one of the first names on the team sheet.
Forward: Anthony Martial, Manchester United
Another one who fell afoul of Mourinho’s methods, Anthony Martial starts here as part of a fluid front three. Capable of devastating the opposition while cutting in from the flank or playing through the middle, Martial is the truly modern forward.
Full line-up
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