“Let him off the leash” – Paul Merson names player Maresca “must” pick against Man United | OneFootball

Paul Merson has called on Enzo Maresca to start Estevao Willian against Manchester United on Saturday evening.

The Blues head to Old Trafford looking to get back to winning ways after a draw against Brentford last weekend, and a 3-1 defeat to Bayern Munich on Wednesday night on their return to the Champions League.

Chelsea haven’t won at Old Trafford since 2013 and could really do with the three points as they look to keep pace with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.

Paul Merson calls on Enzo Maresca to start Estevao against Man United

Maresca made a number of changes to his starting line-up against Bayern, and there are likely to be further changes for the game against United.

It remains to be seen if Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia will make the squad after being back in first team training.

Merson has called on Maresca to start Estevao against Man United. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

There are decisions to be made in attack, especially the wide areas, and Merson has called on Maresca to name Estevao in his line-up.

“With Liam Delap out injured, how should Chelsea line-up to get the best out of their attack? he said as cited via X.com.

“I think Joao Pedro up front and [Cole] Palmer in behind is a given. But who else do they play?

“I don’t think Pedro Neto has done enough for Chelsea and Jamie Gittens looks a bit lost.

“They must play Estevao, let him off the leash. He has already proved that he can play at this level and he will enjoy a lot of space in this game.

“So I’d go Neto, Palmer and Estevao behind Pedro. But I doubt Maresca will do the same. He may opt to go safe instead.”

Brazil star impressing at Chelsea

Estevao finally arrived at Chelsea after the Club World Cup, although the Blues agreed a deal worth up to £51.4m with Palmeiras for the teenager back in 2024.

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The 18-year-old has started two of Chelsea’s opening four Premier League games, and Joao Pedro has likened Estevao to Vinicius Junior.

Estevao was named man of the match against West Ham, and became the youngest player in Chelsea history to register a Premier League assist.