Chelsea in a team huddle ahead of EFL Cup game. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)
Chelsea in a team huddle ahead of EFL Cup game. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images)

Ex-Liverpool star Steve Nicol highlights biggest difference between Chelsea and Man United

Former Liverpool player Steve Nicol has highlighted what he believes to be the main difference between Chelsea and Manchester United.

The Blues head to Old Trafford on Sunday looking for a first win against United at the famous ground since Juan Mata scored in 2013, having been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle on Wednesday.

Enzo Maresca’s men have made a good start to the season and currently sit fifth, just one point behind Arsenal in third as they look to return to the Champions League.

Nicol on the difference between Manchester United and Chelsea

United on the other hand have had a terrible start to the season and sit 14th in the league, whilst they sacked Erik ten Hag earlier this week.

Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim will be United’s new manager but he won’t start work until later this month, meaning Ruud van Nistelrooy will be on the bench for Chelsea’s visit, which Maresca predicted earlier this week.

The difference between the two sides seems vast but if United win they will only be three points behind the Blues.

Chelsea players celebrate a goal in a huddle.
Chelsea players celebrate a goal in a huddle.

It’s a huge game for both sides and speaking before the game ex-Liverpool star Nicol highlighted what he believes the difference between the two sides is.

“Man United are a mishmash of players that are past their best, players that might have a little bit bigger ego that are not going to be told when, where, why and what,” he told ESPN as cited on X.com.

“They’ve got some young guys that might help them, and they have got some players that just aren’t good enough, and that’s just the truth.

“So yeah, if you look at both squads, they’re completely different. There’s a thing running through the spine of Chelsea that looks solid and looks as though it’s working. And it’s going in the right direction.

“And you look at the spine of Manchester United, and you’re not sure what’s happening, you’re not sure whether it’s gone, and you certainly know it’s not working. I mean, two fundamentally different situations for two different teams.”

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