Published By: Sayan Guha

Manchester United vs. Chelsea: The Greatest Premier League Showdowns of the 21st Century

From dramatic comebacks to title-deciding victories, here’s a look at the iconic clashes between these two football giants ahead of their next encounter

This isn't just another Sunday in the Premier League. When Manchester United hosts Chelsea on November 3, 2024, it is more than just a typical match; it is a clash of two sides with something to prove. It's United's first game under interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took over after Erik ten Hag's unexpected departure. Chelsea, on the other hand, arrives with momentum and is currently in fifth position.

Ten Hag's dismissal by United was more than simply about results; it marked the end of a challenging career. After a summer of optimism, bolstered by new co-owners INEOS and a contract extension until 2026, United's slide to 14th place in the standings left the Dutchman out of luck and time. Ruud van Nistelrooy, a club legend, now assumes command, and all eyes are on how he keeps a ship from capsizing. Will the Red Devils thrive under the former striker, or is more instability on the way?

A mid-table battle with high stakes

The current Premier League table tells its own narrative. Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, has had an up-and-down season but remains in the top five. They've struck a balance, winning five of their last nine games. Meanwhile, Manchester United's position (14th after nine games) reflects inconsistency and wasted opportunities.

Van Nistelrooy confronts an arduous task: revitalise a team that has fallen away from its winning ways. But there is hope. The talent is definitely there, with Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Bruno Fernandes on the team. However, skill alone will not suffice against a well-drilled Chelsea.

A rivalry written in drama

This isn't the first time these two heavyweights have clashed in a dramatic manner. The Premier League archives are littered with legendary confrontations between United and Chelsea, with goals, drama, and sometimes scandals making each match memorable.

Chelsea 3-0 Manchester United (2006)

Chelsea won the title in style during the 2005-06 season, defeating United 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. William Gallas and Ricardo Carvalho scored that day, but Joe Cole's dazzling solo goal stole the show. However, the sight of Wayne Rooney being stretchered off dampened the celebrations, foreshadowing England's World Cup disappointment that summer.

Manchester United 3-3 Chelsea (2012)

Few games capture this rivalry, such as the 3-3 draw in February 2012. Chelsea had a three-goal lead, only for United to stage a stunning comeback with two Rooney penalties and a Javier Hernandez tap-in. Just months later, in October, these two titans met again. United seized an early lead this time, only for Chelsea to rally until Hernandez's contentious goal clinched a dramatic 3-2 triumph. It was a night of red cards, retracted goals, and thrilling drama.

Chelsea 4-3 Manchester United (2023)

Fast forward to 2023, when history was created again at Stamford Bridge. On a Thursday night, Chelsea achieved the impossible by scoring the Premier League's most recent winning goal. Cole Palmer's stoppage-time double transformed despair into ecstasy for the Blues, who rallied from behind to defeat United 4-3. United's defence crumbled under strain, and Palmer's heroics became a Premier League legend.

Manchester United 1-0 Chelsea (2005)

One of United's most satisfying victories over Chelsea came in November 2005. Darren Fletcher's looping header interrupted Chelsea's 40-game league undefeated streak, giving Jose Mourinho a rare taste of defeat. It wasn't beautiful, but it worked. And in football, that's what matters.