Chelsea vs Manchester United a crunch clash for fallen giants facing long road to recovery

Little has changed for Chelsea and Manchester United since their last meeting in December.

Back then, United boss Erik ten Hag was under pressure and the Chelsea project built around young players was not delivering positive results.

It is much the same story for both clubs ahead of a big game on Thursday night.

On Saturday, Chelsea twice surrendered the lead to draw 2-2 with 10-man Burnley and United produced a truly dreadful performance in their 1-1 draw at Brentford.

So, the spotlight is back on Mauricio Pochettino and Ten Hag, with both teams in the mire.

A lack of goals has been an issue for Chelsea for long parts of this season, but now they have concerns at the back. Injuries mean they keep changing their backline, with Reece James, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana sidelined and now Ben Chilwell out both ill and injured.

Pochettino on Wednesday criticised his players for wanting to play “exhibition football” and again said they lack the desire to “compete”. He is struggling to get his talented players to do the basics and insists he needs time to build a winning mentality in one of the youngest squads in the Premier League.

The midfield trio of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher are inconsistent; the frontline score some goals, but aside from Cole Palmer, are not good enough. Raheem Sterling has been booed and Nicolas Jackson jeered in home matches this season.

They are victims of wider frustration from fans, who are angry at potential season-ticket price rises and a lack of communication from the owners over a feeling the club is going backwards.

On the pitch, United are in a similar situation. They hoped to have turned a corner with their dramatic 4-3 extra-time win over Liverpool in the FA Cup last month, but the drab display at Brentford was another step backwards.

Injuries continue to rock United and defenders Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez have been ruled out on Thursday. Big-name players such as Marcus Rashford, Antony and Casemiro are under-performing.

Defeat for United at Stamford Bridge would be another major dent to their Champions League hopes, while Chelsea are scrapping for a spot in the Europa League or Conference League.

A win for either side would briefly take them out of the firing line. The FA Cup still offers them some hope, but Thursday night is a meeting of two clubs facing a long road to recovery.