Ruud van Nistelrooy set for Premier League debut vs Chelsea

Legendary Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy will make his Premier League managerial debut on Sunday as the Red Devils host Chelsea at Old Trafford. Following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag earlier this week, van Nistelrooy, who was previously ten Hag's assistant, has taken the interim reins. He kicked off his managerial stint with a resounding 5-2 victory over Leicester City in the League Cup on Wednesday.

The immediate focus for van Nistelrooy is improving Manchester United's Premier League form. Currently sitting 14th with a record of 3 wins, 4 losses, and 2 draws, the team has accumulated only 11 points. Van Nistelrooy acknowledges that the quality of the team’s performances has often warranted better results, pointing to disappointing outcomes in matches against teams like Crystal Palace, West Ham, Fenerbahce, and Porto. “There have been many games where we felt we could have earned a better result,” he said, emphasising the critical



nature of results in football.

Chelsea enters the match in stronger form, currently placed fifth with 17 points from 5 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. A key player for the Blues has been Cole Palmer, whose contributions have been impressive. The 22-year-old forward has notched 7 goals and 5 assists this season, putting him on track to achieve only the third 20-goal, 20-assist season in Premier League history, following in the footsteps of Thierry Henry and Luis Suarez. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca noted Palmer’s excellent form but emphasized the importance of not placing undue pressure on him, encouraging him to enjoy the game.

Palmer will be without one of his potential attacking partners, Jadon Sancho, who is both unable to play against his parent club due to loan stipulations and sidelined by illness. As both teams look to secure crucial points, the match promises to be a compelling encounter between two clubs in search of improved form.