“It’s not about me” was a comment made by Jose Mourinho following Manchester United impressive 3-2 comeback against Newcastle in their last Premier League match before the international break, but the Portuguese tactician will be in the spotlight again when he visits his former employers Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the weekend.
Uncertainties surround the Portuguese tactician who already knows that history and statistics don’t favour the Red Devils in this fixture. The Manchester club scored three goals in a space of 20 minutes against, as the switched to play open and attacking football. These have prompted attention from the media with many beckoning on Mourinho to deploy the same tactical approach on Saturday. Despite such suggestion from media, Mourinho who does not subscribe to playing open game against rival clubs will most likely reverse back to his negative football with the aim of capitalizing on errors.
A quick look at the current statistics between the two sides has shown that the Manchester club trails their rival in the title race. While Chelsea sits joint top with Manchester City and Liverpool, the Red Devil remains seven points far from the race in eight position. Chelsea’s unbeaten run in the league further makes the trip a difficult one for the Manchester club, which managed to stage a comeback against Newcastle. Eden Hazard’s goal scoring prowess further limits Mourinho’s chances.
History hardly favours the Red Devils in the fixture. The Manchester club have won at the bridge barely three times in the last 2 decades. Under Jose Mourinho era, the Manchester club is yet to register get a point at the Bridge. In other competitions, the Portuguese have always been edged out by his former employers.