Chelsea: Xabi Alonso makes surprise Estevao squad decision for Manchester United clash

Estevao starts against Manchester United after limited playing time under Alonso this season, with the manager ruling out a January loan move.

Xabi Alonso has handed Estevao a surprise start in Chelsea's Premier League clash with Manchester United, marking a significant opportunity for the Brazilian after a frustrating campaign on the fringes of the squad.

Estevao had made just two starts all season, both in the Carabao Cup, and was notably left on the bench for Wednesday's defeat to Liverpool despite the match being level late on. Alonso instead sent Emmanuel Emegha on for his Chelsea debut, a decision that backfired when the Dutchman missed a penalty in the shootout.

The winger was again overlooked after Joao Felix's injury, with Geovany Quenda preferred as the deputy. However, facing a struggling Manchester United side on an eight-match winless run, Alonso has opted to give Estevao the chance to make an impact with his direct dribbling and pace. At his pre-match press conference, Alonso dismissed speculation about a January loan move, saying: "No discussions about that. Everyone has to be ready because in any game they could be important. Este, his training and his attitude has been good."