Manchester United fans were pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of Scott McTominay in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The Reds can extend their advantage over Thomas Tuchel’s side by nine points with victory at Stamford Bridge, but this promises to be a major test with the Blues reinvigorated under their new German boss.
But United have been given a boost by the return of McTominay who many did not expect to be available in West London.
McTominay picked up an impact injury in United’s first-leg Europa League thrashing of Europa League in Turin 10 days ago and has since not been involved in Solskjaer’s match day squads.
But he has made a rapid recovery and lines up alongside Fred in the midfield pivot despite a lack of optimism from the United boss when discussing his injury concern.
Elsewhere, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire return to the back four after being rested against La Real in midweek and Daniel James retains his place in attack.
Man Utd XI to face Chelsea: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, Fred, McTominay, Fernandes, Greenwood, Rashford, James.
See reactions from United supporters on social media below:
Never any surprises when Bailly doesn't get selected. 😤. More surprised to see Mason in the 9 for this game & could be a game for James on the counter for sure. Pleased McTominay is back but hope he's not rusty! Let's Go! A win would be massive
— 🔰 Flex 🔰 (@FlexUTD) February 28, 2021
Reports suggest McTominay is fit and will start today. Very happy if that is the case, we’ve missed his energy & engine in midfield.
Apparently Mason & James will start too, which does surprise me as I thought it would be martial & either/or.
Possibly Marcus as #9 #MUFC
— Haider Rubbani 🇾🇪🎙⚽️ (@Haider_Rubbani) February 28, 2021
McTominay back is such a huge boost. Shows what a vital player he has become
— Dan Coombs (@DanCFootball) February 28, 2021
Mctominay is back in the pitch🔴⚫⚪#GGMU #MUFC @ManUtd #CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/s2iFLpEtzA
— ZaleUtd🔰🇸🇳 (@S_SaliouSeck) February 28, 2021
Ole looks to have kept things quiet so he can get McTominay back in the starting 11 for today. It just shows how important he has become for us and I feel a lot more confident in our midfield now. Greenwood starting ahead of Martial is a massive boost for the lad. Come on United!
— Craig (@CraigCharles23) February 28, 2021
Ole 2 Days ago saying McTominay probably won't be available for the Chelsea game.
Loving the mind games from Ole. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/jREspOm7UH
— UTFR 🇾🇪 (@ManUtd_HQ) February 28, 2021
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