November 1st 2024.
Former Chelsea player Joe Cole is feeling optimistic about his former team's upcoming match against Manchester United. He believes that Chelsea will come out on top with a 1-0 victory and that they are currently two years ahead of United in terms of their development.
The Red Devils have had a rough start to the Premier League season and their poor performance ultimately led to the sacking of Erik ten Hag. However, they have quickly appointed Ruben Amorim as their new manager, who will continue to lead Sporting until the next international break.
Meanwhile, Chelsea has had a promising start to the 2024/25 season under the guidance of new manager Enzo Maresca. They have the chance to move into the top four this weekend if results go their way. Despite only winning two of their last five matches, Cole is confident that Chelsea will secure a win at Old Trafford.
"I think Chelsea will go to Old Trafford and win," Cole said in an interview with Paddy Power. "Put aside the League Cup game against Newcastle, and Chelsea's form has been great. They are probably about two years ahead of where Manchester United are right now."
He also predicts a tight game, as Chelsea has not won at Old Trafford since 2013, but ultimately sees them coming out on top with a 1-0 victory.
Currently, United's interim manager is Ruud van Nistelrooy, who started his stint with a win against Leicester in the Carabao Cup. As for Chelsea, their captain Reece James responded to Maresca's criticism with a strong performance in their recent 2-1 win against Newcastle.
Cole believes it is crucial for Chelsea to manage James' workload carefully due to his history of injuries. He compares the young defender to a "Ferrari" and suggests that he should only play one game per week to avoid further injuries.
"It's massively important for Chelsea that Reece James stays fit, but it's also massively important for Reece himself," Cole explained. "I hold out hope for him and his body because they've been very smart with Wesley Fofana, giving him strict rules of only playing one game per week. I imagine Reece would be given that sort of routine."
As for potential transfers, there have been rumors that Amorim may try to bring Sporting sensation Viktor Gyokeres with him to Manchester in January. However, Cole believes that United's hierarchy may be hesitant to give Amorim too much control in the transfer market, especially after their experience with Ten Hag.
"At Manchester United, there has to be some structure around recruitment," Cole said. "There has to be a system with their new sporting directors. Erik ten Hag brought in players that he knew and that didn't work. The days of a manager bringing in two or three of his own players because he knows them are over."
He also doubts that any player will be signed solely because Amorim knows them, as they had a bad experience with Ten Hag's signings. However, Cole acknowledges that Gyokeres is a talented player and believes that he will catch the attention of Premier League clubs.
"Anyone scoring goals in Europe will come to the attention of Premier League clubs, and Gyokeres is a real talent," he said. "He will be on Manchester United's hit list, but under no circumstances will a player be signed just because the manager knows him. They've had such a bad experience with Ten Hag and his players that I don't think they will make the same mistake again."
Whether or not Gyokeres will join United, only time will tell. But for now, both Chelsea and United have important matches coming up and will be looking to secure a win.
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