Both Manchester United and Chelsea have fallen on challenging times in the last few years. Once two sides that battled for Premier League supremacy – neither have won a title in the last eight seasons and whenever it looks like they can find any consistency, something seems to go wrong.
Indeed, the Red Devils have won silverware in the last two seasons under Erik ten Hag but have suffered their worst start to a season in Premier League history. Meanwhile, the Blues, under Enzo Maresca, have suffered a number of false dawns since winning the 2021 Champions League – with new owner Tod Boehly making the Italian the sixth manager at Stamford Bridge since his arrival.
While the Man U vs Chelsea betting suggests a close affair between the two sides, the match could well serve as an early decider for a spot in the Champions League. The fixture has seen some classics over the years, producing some truly memorable encounters in the Premier League, particularly during periods of intense rivalry.
In this article, we take a look at some of the best games between Manchester United and Chelsea.
Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea – November 2005
This was one of the defining matches in the 2005/06 season as Chelsea, under José Mourinho, came to Old Trafford unbeaten in the league.
United, struggling to keep pace with Chelsea’s dominance, needed a big result to avoid falling further behind having lost the opening game of the previous season in Mourinho’s arrival.
A first-half goal from Darren Fletcher was enough to secure the win for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side, ending Chelsea’s 40-game unbeaten league run. It was a gritty, tactical contest that underlined the growing rivalry between two legendary managers.
Chelsea 3-0 Manchester United – April 2006
Chelsea wrapped up their second consecutive Premier League title with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
Goals from William Gallas, Joe Cole, and Ricardo Carvalho sealed the win in what was a statement performance by Mourinho’s Chelsea.
The match symbolised Chelsea’s dominance over English football at the time, and United, despite their history, were forced to play second fiddle to a rampant Chelsea side and wait a fourth year without a league title.
It was a day of celebration for the Blues but a reminder for Ferguson that a rebuilding process was necessary to challenge again.
Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea – May 2011
United and Chelsea were in direct competition for the 2010/11 Premier League title, and this clash at Old Trafford effectively decided the outcome of the race.
The two had had some close affairs in previous years, including the 2008 Champions League final, but this was the one in the league that had meant the most for both sides.
United started explosively, with Javier Hernández scoring after just 36 seconds, and Nemanja Vidić doubled the lead inside 25 minutes.
Frank Lampard pulled one back for Chelsea in the second half, but United held on for a crucial win that all but secured their 19th league title.
The win showcased United’s return to domestic dominance after Chelsea’s earlier successes, signalling the end of the Carlo Ancelotti era.
Chelsea 4-0 Manchester United – October 2016
The summer of 2016 was a unique one for the Premier League. Mourinho was now at Manchester United and Antonio Conte’s Chelsea were one of the most exciting teams to watch after the Portuguese manager was dismissed a year prior, as Leicester City shocked those who bet on football as defending champions.
Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge was expected to be a tactical affair, but Chelsea demolished United 4-0, with goals from Pedro, Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard, and N’Golo Kanté.
The result left United and Mourinho reeling, while Conte’s high-energy, three-at-the-back system continued to take the league by storm. Chelsea went on to win the title, but this was a humbling defeat for Mourinho against his former club, who called for respect from the press.
Manchester United 4-0 Chelsea – August 2019
Frank Lampard’s Premier League managerial debut ended in disaster as Chelsea were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Despite Chelsea’s bright start, Marcus Rashford’s penalty opened the scoring before United exploited defensive weaknesses with further goals from Anthony Martial, Daniel James, and Rashford. It was a harsh lesson for Lampard, while United enjoyed a dream start to the season.
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