'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:
start him
— ً (@ftbIandrew) November 25, 2021
Let start , I want to see him bully their midfielders
— Jethro Jnr (@JethroJnr1) November 25, 2021
i want to see this man starting
— Josh Disberry (@disberry_josh) November 26, 2021
Start him on Sunday
— Cleverley❁⭐⭐ (@Cleverleythur0) November 26, 2021
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.