Chelsea’s upcoming clash at Old Trafford against Manchester United has garnered significant attention, particularly as Arsenal legend Martin Keown highlights Nicolas Jackson as a key threat for the Blues. In a stark warning to United, Keown states that Jackson is fast emerging as “one of the most feared players in the Premier League,” and believes the striker will be a major challenge for interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy’s defense this Sunday.
Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal for £32m in the summer of 2023, experiencing a mixed first season with 17 goals in all competitions and criticism for inconsistent finishing. However, those struggles seem behind him as he already boasts six Premier League goals this season, putting him among the league’s top scorers, with only four players—including Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer—surpassing his tally.
Arsenal icon Keown has voiced his belief in Jackson’s transformation, emphasizing his threat: “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.”
The Old Trafford showdown comes in the wake of significant changes at Manchester United. The Red Devils recently parted ways with Erik ten Hag and appointed Ruben Amorim as their new manager, although Amorim won’t officially take over until November 11. This leaves club legend Van Nistelrooy to guide United through a crucial phase, as seen in their emphatic 5-2 Carabao Cup victory over Leicester City.
Despite this recent boost, Keown is adamant that Chelsea will pose a sterner challenge: “It was a liberating performance that saw United play with freedom, but make no mistake, Chelsea will be a much tougher test,” he said. Keown also pointed out that Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who is set to field a strong lineup after resting key players in their midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle, will be keen for a big response from his team.
Keown praised Jackson’s pace and relentless energy: “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.”
Speaking highly of Palmer’s creative brilliance, Keown added, “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.”
Keown noted that Chelsea’s cohesive partnerships across the field are crucial: “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.”
For United, Keown acknowledges the anticipation surrounding Amorim’s upcoming reign and the pressure on Van Nistelrooy to maintain momentum: “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.”