By Nathaniel Kay

'It’s his time': Some Chelsea fans urge Tuchel to start 25-year-old vs Manchester United

A handful of Chelsea supporters on social media have issued Thomas Tuchel with a demand to start Ruben Loftus-Cheek against Manchester United.

The Blues host the Red Devils this Sunday at Stamford Bridge as the Premier League’s main billing for matchday 13.

United will be watched from afar by the new interim manager, Ralf Rangnick, who is unlikely to be in attendance this weekend due to work-permit issues.

Michael Carrick shall be in charge for the second successive game, following the 2-0 Champions League victory mid-week.

Changes for Chelsea

Chelsea are also entering into the contest off the back of their own European triumph.

Although the 4-0 demolition of Juventus was a joyous occasion, it did come with a few consequences.

Ben Chilwell and N’Golo Kante both suffered injuries on the night, meaning they will probably miss the United clash.

Chilwell is a guaranteed absentee after he sustained damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.

Kante meanwhile twisted his knee, meaning the chances of the Frenchman featuring are slim.

In that case, Loftus-Cheek is the most obvious choice to partner Jorginho in central midfield.

It is a switch that would certainly sit well with Chelsea fans.

Here’s what they had to say about Thomas Tuchel’s next team selection on Twitter:

RLC for the WIN

Entrusting Loftus-Cheek with a prominent role in such a significant match would really highlight the player’s turnaround this season.

He began the campaign as something of an outcast in the squad but gradually brought himself back into contention through numerous admirable performances.

Now, he is the first-choice to deputise for any of the regular midfielders, ahead of Saul Niguez and Ross Barkley.

Untying United would confirm the 25-year-old’s improved status even further.  

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Nathaniel Kay

"Nathaniel is a football journalist who graduated from the University of Derby. He worked at Burton Albion as part of their media team for two years. Nathaniel produced regular articles for the club’s official website and match-day programme. He covered the 2018 U20 Women’s World Cup in Brittany and has reported from grounds ranging from non-league up to the Premier League. Nathaniel is a full-time writer for the Chelsea Chronicle, and was formerly their social media man. His footballing career reached the sparkling heights of winning the Under-13s Bloxham Tournament in 2011."