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‘Was getting targeted’… BBC Pundit thinks Manchester United singled out 25-year-old Chelsea man last night

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Pundit Paul Robinson has now claimed that Manchester United were looking to target one Chelsea player during their match at Old Trafford last night.

He told BBC’s Football Daily that Marc Cucurella was being singled out frequently after he was played out of position at Old Trafford last night.

Cucurella started at right-back last night, however only lasted 45 minutes before being hooked off for club captain Reece James.

Manchester United v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

His 1v1 defending was actually pretty good last night, however it was clear that there was a clear plan to get the ball to the feet of Alejandro Garnacho to run at the 25-year-old.

Robinson has claimed it was obvious that the defender was getting targeted when he was on the pitch.

He said: “Reece James came on at half-time, Cucurella started the game at right-back, he was getting targeted down that side by Garnacho, so they made a change at half-time, but they flattered to deceive again.

Cucurella targeted by United

“It’s another Chelsea performance where they haven’t put 90 minutes together, I’ve been impressed with them, they’ve created chances, they’ve looked really good on the break and work in progress, transitional, we use all those words again and I’m sure that’s what Pochettino will see.”

It is likely now that James is brought back in to start next time out against Everton on Sunday, with it remaining to be seen if that means Cucurella will drop out completely.

There may be a chance for him to move to the left-back role, which last night was undertaken by club captain on the day Levi Colwill.

The youngster still looks as if he would be more comfortable playing in the middle of defence though, which could see either Thiago Silva or Axel Disasi drop to the bench.