Chelsea are bracing themselves for a huge challenge this weekend as they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in one of the headline fixtures of the BRI Super League 2025/26 season. All eyes will be on Alejandro Garnacho, the 21-year-old winger who made a high-profile summer switch from United to Chelsea for a reported fee of £40 million.
This clash is not just another league match—it marks Garnacho’s first return to Old Trafford since leaving the Red Devils, a storyline that adds extra spice to an already heavyweight encounter.
Maresca Confirms Garnacho Ready for Starting Role
Head coach Enzo Maresca has given strong indications that Garnacho could make his full debut from the start against his former club. The Argentine winger has so far appeared as a substitute in Chelsea’s games against Brentford and Bayern Munich, where his lively performances impressed both fans and the coaching staff.
“In the last two matches, Garnacho has shown great quality coming off the bench,” Maresca explained during his pre-match press conference. “We are very pleased with how quickly he has adapted to our playing style and what we demand from a winger. I believe he is ready to start.”
Maresca also highlighted the mental challenge awaiting his young star:
“I have no doubts about his ability to handle the atmosphere at Old Trafford. Of course, it is never easy, but moments like this are part of the learning curve for any top player.”
Old Trafford Remains a Fortress for Chelsea
Chelsea’s record at Old Trafford has been poor in recent years. The Blues have not managed to secure a victory there in over 12 years, a statistic that adds pressure to Maresca’s side as they look to break the curse.
Maresca drew parallels with their recent match against Bayern Munich, where full-back Marc Cucurella was jeered every time he touched the ball. For the Italian manager, those experiences are essential for building resilience.
“The atmosphere is always intense,” he admitted. “When we played Bayern, the crowd made things difficult, but you must learn to stay focused. Facing United at Old Trafford is always one of the toughest assignments in football—there is never a ‘perfect moment’ to play them.”
United Still a Dangerous Opponent Despite Inconsistency
While United have endured a turbulent start to the season, Maresca was quick to warn that the Red Devils remain a team capable of punishing any mistakes.
“I’ve watched their matches this season, and some of their results don’t reflect the performance,” Maresca said. “Even against Manchester City, they were still in the game when it was 1-0 or 2-0. They had chances to score first. That tells you how dangerous they can be.”
For Chelsea, the stakes are clear. A victory at Old Trafford would not only end a decade-long drought but also send a powerful message about their ambitions under Maresca’s leadership. For Garnacho, however, the night carries even greater significance—a chance to show his former club what they lost, on one of football’s grandest stages.
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