Revenge – 3 Reasons Why Manchester United Will Beat Chelsea At The Bridge

3 Reasons Why Manchester United Will Beat Chelsea

The last time Jose Mourinho faced his former side, Chelsea, it did not end favourably. That clash back in October saw Antonio Conte’s men run rampant and tore the visitors to shreds, ending the match 4-0 with Pedro’s 29th-second goal opening the floodgates.

Chelsea have been quick to remind the world of that result with a sly dig at the Red Devils in the club’s preview of the match on its website.

“Monday’s cup opponents are enjoying a long unbeaten run in the league stretching back to October.

“It has lifted them all the way from sixth to sixth. That last defeat was, of course, the one they endured at the Bridge,” the article read.

Pedro’s 29.6 seconds goal against Manchester United in October remains the fastest goal in the Premier league this season.

While it is true that the defeat inflicted on Mourinho’s team will be savoured for a long time, especially given Mourinho’s rather hypocritical reproach of Conte’s celebrations during the match, United have since progressed from there.

The article rightly mentioned that United are unbeaten since that defeat, but they have also greatly improved their performances since then. The team is functioning better as a unit and although the results have been mixed, there is no doubt that the United that will line up on Monday will be a different proposition to the one so humbled in the league six months ago. Here is why United may have the edge.

1. Jose Mourinho 

Much of everything good about United is all about him, in the same way much of all things bad is/will be about him. Mourinho is a cup specialist and has already guided this United team to EFL Cup success this season. That nous may come in handy when he takes on his former side again. Antonio Conte may still be getting used to the cup competitions in England. His side crashed out in the EFL Cup and have been fortunate to play much smaller teams until now. Both managers have promised full strength teams on Monday but it may come down to the smallest details and here, Jose has the advantage.

2. Revenge

Jose Mourinho is keen to avenge that thrashing he didn’t expect last time out against The Blues. The extra motivation for him will certainly be transmitted to his playing team and may spur the to do better. The performance on Monday will go a long way to show whether Mourinho is really making a connection with these players. As is often the case with him, his extra motivation for vengeance can be a catalyst for success or failure. It was definitely a failure against Barcelona when he was with Real Madrid. What will it be Monday?

3. Pressure 

Jose Mourinho has been talking up Chelsea’s credentials in the build up to this clash. His opposite number is not taking the bait though, reminding Mourinho that mind games don’t bring you to win. But Chelsea’s status as league leaders and indeed champions-elect bring with it a certain kind of pressure to live up to expectations. Many expect the Blues to be the dominant side and so there will be some nerves during the game. However, both sides have much to play for with the hosts eyeing a double while the visitors have a cup treble withing their grasp. Given the underwhelming performances of Manchester United, however, and the overwhelming manner in which Chelsea has exceeded expectations the pressure will be on them to sustain their good form.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is absent through suspension but as Conte again pointed out during the week, United along with Manchester City have the biggest and better squads in England. Chelsea, while wanting to play a strong team in this FA cup match, will also have to be wary of any injury mishap that will detail their title charge. All of these may just give United the edge come Monday.