competitions, Nicolas Jackson has faced criticism for his erratic finishing and had an up-and-down debut season at Stamford Bridge.
However, Jackson’s inconsistency seems to be behind him. This season, he has already scored six goals in the Premier League—a tally surpassed by only four other players, including his Chelsea teammate, Cole Palmer.
Arsenal icon Keown feels Jackson is “quickly becoming one of the league’s most feared forwards” and says Manchester United will need to be vigilant against the Senegalese striker on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is preparing his energetic and talented squad for the Old Trafford clash, a week that has seen Manchester United sack Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils have named Ruben Amorim as their new manager, although he won’t start until November 11. Until then, club legend and interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will remain in charge.
United defeated Leicester City 5-2 in the Carabao Cup in their first game since Ten Hag’s departure, but Keown believes Chelsea will pose a “much tougher challenge.”
‘It was a liberating performance that saw United play with freedom, but make no mistake, Chelsea will be a much tougher test,’ he told the Daily Mail.
‘This is especially the case as Enzo Maresca will bring his A-team to Old Trafford after miscalculating their midweek Carabao Cup trip to Newcastle with a B-side that ended up losing at St James’ Park.
‘One decision Van Nistelrooy needs to nail is who starts in central defence, as Nicolas Jackson is fast becoming one of the Premier League’s most feared strikers.
‘Nobody has made more sprints than Chelsea’s forward this season and he will happily eat up any space behind United’s backline, knowing full well that Cole Palmer can find him.
‘Palmer’s vision is unparalleled. That pass for Jackson’s opener in last weekend’s 2-1 Premier League win over Newcastle was on another level.
‘Few players would have seen that ball was on, let alone possess the quality to execute it. Palmer plays as if there’s no time to lose, desperate to make sure everyone knows how exceptional he is.
‘Manchester City’s academy coaches have every right to feel angry that their club is not benefiting from his X factor.
‘Chelsea have partnerships all over the pitch, from Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana in central defence to Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia in midfield and Palmer and Jackson in attack.
‘Meanwhile, United’s fans are ready to embrace a new chapter. On Sunday, the responsibility will fall on Van Nistelrooy to make sure their players maintain momentum ahead of the huge change that is coming under Amorim.’
