Football
The FA Cup

Man Utd confident of avenging defeat

Take on Chelsea in quarterfinal today
Manchester United's Marcos Rojo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney celebrate at full time. File Photo: Reuters

Marouane Fellaini insists Manchester United are confident of avenging the worst moment of Jose Mourinho's reign when they return to Chelsea in the FA Cup quarterfinals on Monday.

Mourinho's first visit to Stamford Bridge since his sacking as Chelsea boss last season ended in humiliation as his former club romped to a 4-0 victory over United in October.

United have used the memory of that painful loss to fuel a dominant period which has seen them lose just twice in all competitions since then.

They lifted the first major trophy of the Mourinho era with a League Cup final victory against Southampton last month and remain in contention for further silverware in the FA Cup and Europa League.

Chelsea have been equally powerful, opening up a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League and advancing to the last eight of the FA Cup as boss Antonio Conte chases a double in his first season as Mourinho's permanent replacement in west London.

Although United are 17 points behind Chelsea, United midfielder Fellaini is adamant they can turn the tables today.

"Obviously we lost there a few months ago, but now it is the FA Cup and we will see what happens," Fellaini said. "It will be tight, I think. It is the FA Cup, it is one game.

"They are top of the league, they have confidence, they have great players, but we will show our quality there and see what happens. Of course they are confident so let's go there and see what we can do."

Chelsea coach Antonio Conte doesn't anticipate an easy ride from a team with United's strength in depth.

"Manchester United, together with [Manchester] City, has the best squad in the league," Conte said. "They have a number of great players, with great talent and great experience to win.

“We have a good identity, our team. But for sure it will be a really tough game.“

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The FA Cup

Man Utd confident of avenging defeat

Take on Chelsea in quarterfinal today
Manchester United's Marcos Rojo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney celebrate at full time. File Photo: Reuters

Marouane Fellaini insists Manchester United are confident of avenging the worst moment of Jose Mourinho's reign when they return to Chelsea in the FA Cup quarterfinals on Monday.

Mourinho's first visit to Stamford Bridge since his sacking as Chelsea boss last season ended in humiliation as his former club romped to a 4-0 victory over United in October.

United have used the memory of that painful loss to fuel a dominant period which has seen them lose just twice in all competitions since then.

They lifted the first major trophy of the Mourinho era with a League Cup final victory against Southampton last month and remain in contention for further silverware in the FA Cup and Europa League.

Chelsea have been equally powerful, opening up a 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League and advancing to the last eight of the FA Cup as boss Antonio Conte chases a double in his first season as Mourinho's permanent replacement in west London.

Although United are 17 points behind Chelsea, United midfielder Fellaini is adamant they can turn the tables today.

"Obviously we lost there a few months ago, but now it is the FA Cup and we will see what happens," Fellaini said. "It will be tight, I think. It is the FA Cup, it is one game.

"They are top of the league, they have confidence, they have great players, but we will show our quality there and see what happens. Of course they are confident so let's go there and see what we can do."

Chelsea coach Antonio Conte doesn't anticipate an easy ride from a team with United's strength in depth.

"Manchester United, together with [Manchester] City, has the best squad in the league," Conte said. "They have a number of great players, with great talent and great experience to win.

“We have a good identity, our team. But for sure it will be a really tough game.“

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