Three Manchester United players who need a big performance vs Chelsea

Manchester United's season so far has been underpinned by big game struggles and false dawns.

Erik ten Hag's side are on the brink of a Champions League exit and sit seventh in the Premier League ahead of tonight's contest with Chelsea. The Blues are actually below United in the standings but are beginning to find their feet under Mauricio Pochettino..

This is the type of game United need to be winning if they are serious about competing for the top four yet recent experience won't build any confidence. The Reds are regularly beaten by the league's leading lights and while Chelsea are in mid-table just now, they have shown this season they can mix it with the best.

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United have shown anything but. Beaten by all three of their Champions League opponents as well as all of the current top 10 Premier League opponents they have faced. Ten Hag's side won three on the spin before being outclassed by City and dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle.

The positive performance against Everton was followed by a chaotic Champions League draw in Turkey and a limp league defeat in the North East. Tonight, United will seek a response with their manager under-fire and many of their players under-performing. Here are three that need a positive showing more than most.

Few could have predicted the struggles the England international is going through given his exploits last season. His goals underpinned United and both he and his manager spoke about how his game was reaching new levels.

But it's not come to pass in 2023-24. Rashford has retained his place in Ten Hag's first choice line up but has netted only twice and his performances