The last time Chelsea defeated Manchester United away was May 2013. Antonio Conte is determined to end that streak, and will demand nothing less of his players.
Chelsea’s last win at Old Trafford came courtesy of a late Juan Mata strike. The 1-0 victory helped Chelsea finish in the final automatic Champions League spot, two points ahead of Arsenal. United had already confirmed their 20th Premier League title going into that game. They may taken their foot off the gas, but no team should want to lose to a fellow top side in any scenario.
Rafael Benitez helmed Chelsea that day, in one of his final games with the club. His immediate successors – Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink – made the journey north three times.
Jose Mourinho’s affection for Manchester United was always on the minds of Chelsea fans during both of his trips to Old Trafford in his second spell. Each time, it was hard to shake the feeling that his team set up was more for a draw.
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Guus Hiddink, too, approached this fixture in similar setup during the early days of his rescue operations. Between Mourinho and Hiddink, Chelsea produced three years of dull draws at Old Trafford.
Antonio Conte will not follow in that tradition. Earlier in the season, he stated unequivocally that he does not send his team out just to get a draw. That comment came before Chelsea faced United at Stamford Bridge, when the expectations on Conte and the pressures on the Blues were considerably lower. It was also after Jose Mourinho came in for criticism over Manchester United’s defensive display against Liverpool a week earlier.
"You must start the game with only one target: to win. Not to play for a draw. I don’t like this. It is not football. I don’t like this. – Metro"
Chelsea can not afford more slip-ups as they look forward to winning the Premier League. Antonio Conte will do something that should be taken for granted among Chelsea managers:go to Old Trafford with the sole purpose of winning
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Chelsea have gone too long without an away win against a key rival. Jose Mourinho’s presence on the home touchline is extra – but unnecessary – motivation for the Blues. Champions play to win, and with Tottenham only four points behind as of kick-off,Antonio Conte will aim higher than a draw.