Manchester United: Rangnick confirms Fred, Maguire, 5 others out of Chelsea game

Manchester United host Chelsea at Old Trafford without seven first-team players led by captain Harry Maguire and Brazilian midfielder Fred. 

United will welcome the Blues this Thursday when they go head-to-head with Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea in the battle for the top four.

Ahead of that crucial encounter, Rangnick spoke to the media on Wednesday where he confirmed that the Reds will be without no fewer than seven first-team stars. 

“Unfortunately, Fred is not yet available,” Ralf told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

ALSO READ: WHY MANCHESTER UNITED IS BROKEN - GARY NEVILLE

“He tried to train yesterday but after training, I had a long conversation with him and he just told me that he doesn't feel fully fit, he's not at 100 per cent, and with a player like Fred who's always committed to giving his very best, I don't think it makes sense, with the muscular injury that he had, to play him too early, because that would mean we take the risk of a re-injury and this is something that I don't want to do. So he won't be available unfortunately tomorrow.”

On Maguire, the German says the under-fire Englishman is out due to some knee-related issues. 

“Apart from that (Fred), we have [Harry] Maguire who is not available. He has some issues with his knee, not a big thing – some niggle in his knee. He hasn't been training, neither yesterday nor today.”

“Paul obviously, Fred, Edinson, Luke Shaw and Jadon – Jadon is ill, he has had tonsillitis since yesterday, couldn't train today and will also be not available tomorrow.

ALSO READ: NEW UNITED BOSS HAS ALREADY FOUND A REPLACEMENT FOR RONALDO

After two consecutive defeats in the Premier League, Manchester United are looking to get their top-four race back on track with a much-needed win against Chelsea. 

The Reds conceded seven goals, scoring just once in the defeats to rivals Liverpool and Arsenal in the space of four days. 

However, despite the absence of some key players ahead of the game at OT on Thursday, the game against Chelsea is a must-not lose one for Rangnick and his United team. 

United currently sit fifth on the PL table on 54 points, six points adrift of fourth place, having played two more games.