Manchester United vs Chelsea: Know all about their rivalry
There are a number of rivalries in English football. When it comes to the rivalries involving Manchester United, the Manchester Derby is the first thing that comes to mind, followed by the one with Arsenal. However, United's rivalry against Chelsea is as interesting as others. United have dominated historically, but the rivalry has become intense in the past few seasons. Let us analyze further.
Christmas 1905: The day it all began
It all began during the Christmas of 1905, when these two clubs played their first-ever match. While it was a League Division Two tier match, it was an intense one as both the teams failed to break the deadlock in the entire match. It ended as a 0-0 draw. A capacity crowd of 35,000 enjoyed the game at Bank Street in Clayton.
1908: The intensity starts to build
February 1908 saw the teams fight it out in a Round 2 of the FA Cup as Sandy Turnbull's lone winner sealed it for United in Clayton. The same year in November, both played their first-ever League Division One tier match, as George Hilsdon's penalty helped Chelsea register their first-ever win over United. The Blues got their revenge for their FA Cup ouster.
Five greatest matches of all time
United 1 Chelsea 3, May 2005: Mourinho maintains his streak over Ferguson. United 1 Chelsea 0, November 2005: Chelsea suffer first defeat of the season. Chelsea 2 United 1, April 2008: Chelsea level with United with two games left. Chelsea 4 United 1 (penalties), August 2009: Rooney's injury-time equalizer goes in vain. Chelsea 2 United 3, October 2012: Red-card of Torres shatters Chelsea.
Chelsea dominate United in post-Ferguson era
In the post-Ferguson era, Chelsea have become more dominant. Out of 14 matches played since Ferguson left United, Chelsea have managed to win six, while they have lost just three. Both the sides last clashed during the FA Cup pre-quarters, where United came out on top, drubbing them 2-0, while their last league meeting ended in a 2-2 draw.
Chelsea have potential to dominate, but too inconsistent
As far as the prediction goes for tonight's match, Chelsea could just edge past United, courtesy the poor form of Red Devils. However, United cannot be ruled out during big matches, given Chelsea too are shaky. Overall, both the teams are in the same league and need to be consistent. Thus, as to who would dominate in the future is an extremely difficult call.
