India cricketer and lifelong Manchester United supporter Yuzvendra Chahal has backed the English club to mount a stronger challenge in the Premier League after the international break, citing the team's fighting spirit and unpredictability — a belief reinforced by his recent experience watching the Manchester Derby live at Old Trafford.

Chahal's faith in United's unpredictability

Speaking to JioStar, Chahal expressed his admiration for the current squad, singling out Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha as a player he particularly rates. 'What I really like about this United team is the fight and the unpredictability. Matheus Cunha is someone I really admire, the way he plays with such energy, takes on defenders and keeps pushing the players around him. I genuinely believe this team can still surprise people. As a United fan since childhood, I'll always believe in the team and keep backing them. That's what being a football fan is all about,' Chahal said.

A childhood love that never faded

For Chahal, the attachment to Manchester United is far more than a passing interest. The spinner said the club has been woven into his life since boyhood, with watching key Premier League fixtures alongside friends forming a cherished ritual. 'Manchester United has been a childhood love for me, so the Premier League is something I genuinely enjoy following whenever I get the time. One of my favourite things is getting my friends together, sitting with them and watching a big United game, there is always so much emotion and banter!' he added.

The Manchester Derby experience at Old Trafford

That passion took on a sharper edge when Chahal attended the Manchester Derby in person at Old Trafford — moving the rivalry from his television screen to the stands. The match delivered the kind of drama that made the occasion both exhilarating and painful for the United faithful. When Manchester City were reduced to 10 men, Chahal felt the match was there for United's taking — only for the contest to swing back against them. 'When City went down to ten men, I really felt United would find a way to get the result, and there were moments when it looked like we could take the game. To then see Haaland score and the goal go through that whole VAR drama was painful as a United fan! But that's football, sometimes you get the result you want and sometimes you don't,' Chahal said.

What to expect after the international break

With the Premier League scheduled to resume following the international break, Chahal believes Manchester United will have a fresh opportunity to reshape the narrative around their season. This comes at a moment when United's fans have been searching for reasons to be optimistic, and the endorsement of a high-profile sporting figure who has witnessed the team's resilience at close quarters adds a distinct emotional dimension to the debate around the club's prospects.