Jose Mourinho would never admit it, but he would absolutely love to put a dent in Chelsea’s title challenge on Sunday afternoon.
Chelsea are four points clear of second-place Tottenham Hotspur ahead of their trip to Old Trafford.
Manchester United need to win if they are to have any chance of finishing in the top four, but, besides that, victory would be sweet for Mourinho.
The Portuguese was sacked by the London club last season, after reportedly falling out with several senior players. Antonio Conte was appointed manager, and now the team largely assembled by Mourinho, looks on course to win the league title.
So, there’s some added motivation for Mourinho and his United team to get one over Conte and Chelsea.
The game at Old Trafford probably won’t be a classic, featuring free-flowing football, but it could be one of the pivotal matches in the Premier League this season.
The recent history of the fixtures suggests a positive result for the visitors. Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 12 games against United in all competitions. While United have failed to beat Chelsea in their last four league games at Old Trafford, scoring just once.
Here’s the United team that will look to end that run:
Here's what you've been waiting for – today's #MUFC team for #MUNCHE… pic.twitter.com/PXOIPP49Gz
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 16, 2017
And he’s Chelsea’s starting XI:
Chelsea team today: Begovic; Azpilicueta, David Luiz, Cahill (c); Moses, Kante, Matic, Alonso; Pedro, Diego Costa, Hazard. #MUNCHE
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 16, 2017
