Chelsea vs Manchester United: Jose Mourinho’s midfield crisis deepens ahead of Stamford Bridge trip
Jesse Lingard was crocked in the 2-0 Champions League win over Benfica and faces a fitness battle
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Jose Mourinho is battling a growing midfield crisis as he plots revenge on former club Chelsea.
The Special One takes on the Blues - who sacked him twice - at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
And looking to avenge a 4-0 defeat in his first return to the Blues' home, Mourinho is without at least three first-team midfielders.
Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini are both out for the trip, while Michael Carrick is a major doubt.
And Mourinho watched Jesse Lingard suffer a back injury in the 2-0 Champions League win over Benfica.
The academy graduate now faces a race against time to be fit for the huge clash, which can pile more misery on Blues boss Antonio Conte.
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His side come into the game four points behind United, themselves five shy of Manchester City, after a sluggish start to their title defence.
And a 3-0 hammering by Roma in Europe, Conte is feeling the heat but could be handed a huge boost as N'Golo Kante steps up his return.
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The Frenchman is in line to start against United's depleted engine room, which should feature ex-Chelsea playmaker Nemanja Matic.
The Serb has a point to prove at the Bridge after being ditched following Tiemoue Bakayoko's arrival.