- Manchester United face Chelsea
- Michael Carrick has named his starting XI and bench
- Jim Thwaites has earned a surprise call
Michael Carrick has named his starting lineup for Manchester United‘s encounter with Chelsea but it’s his decision to name Jim Thwaites on the bench that has caught fans’ attention. The Reds have travelled to west London to take on the Blues in a match with huge top-five implications.
United arrive at Stamford Bridge tonight, licking their wounds following a disastrous 2-1 loss to Leeds United on Monday. Kobbie Mainoo was unavailable for that game after picking up a knock in training.
That meant Manuel Ugarte was handed a rare start, but the Uruguayan did not impress. In fact, there were many fans calling for him to be sold this summer after yet another dissapointing outing.
Chelsea vs Man United: Thwaites Named on Bench
Carrick has opted to recall Mainoo for the game after he was passed fit, and the English midfielder reclaims a starting berth in the XI. He replaced Ugarte, much to the fans’ pleasure.
But it’s not only Mainoo starting that has supporters enthused. The inclusion of 18-year-old Jim Thwaites on the bench has been heralded by the Old Trafford faithful.
Thwaites has caught the eye at youth level this season, posting five goals and six assists in 28 games across competitions.
Carrick’s decision to name the defensive midfielder on the bench comes despite him playing for the U18’s last night. Darren Fletcher’s side beat Crystal Palace 2-1 to reach the final of the FA Youth Cup.
Thwaites was superb for the Reds in that game. He is now preparing to potentially make his senior debut for the club against Chelsea off the bench.
‘Nice Confirmation’ – Fans React to Thwaites Nod
United fans know just how important youth is to this club and seeing Thwaites get an opportunity tonight has gone down well. He might not even get any minutes but being in the first-team enviroment for such a high stake game will only help his development.
As such supporters have applauded the decision even with him in action last night. One fan wrote:
“He won’t play but making the bench so soon after his recent brilliance performances is a great show of trust for Jim Thwaites. Probably not the game for him to make a debut but nice confirmation that the club rate him highly.”
Another added:
“Thwaites in the squad after putting in a monstrous shift for the U18’s in the FAYC Semi-Final last night. Clearly shows how highly rated he is, we’ll definitely see a debut before the end of the season. Other than that, the exact team I would’ve picked.“
One responded:
“More than deserved.”
This was echoed by another:
“Pleased to see Jim Thwaites in the squad today. Hope he gets some minutes, he has a fantastic skill set. Type of player we’ve been missing for years. I love seeing academy lads come through more than big flashy signings.”
One added:
“Jim Thwaites is in the squad. I hope he gets some minutes when Kobbie is subbed off.”
United need to bounce back from the defeat to Leeds and put themselves back on course to return to the Champions League. But Carrick has helped boost positivity with such a bold decision over Thwaites.
