Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca faces the daunting task of ending a 12-year drought at Old Trafford, with the Italian insisting on Friday that there is never a good time to face them despite their early-season struggles.
Chelsea have not tasted victory at United in the Premier League since Juan Mata’s late winner in May 2013, while the fixture holds the unwelcome distinction of being the most drawn encounter in Premier League history, with 27 stalemates.
While fifth-placed Chelsea are hoping to extend their unbeaten league start to five games, United are 14th with one win, but Maresca is wary of the threat posed by Ruben Amorim’s side, who are smarting from their 3-0 weekend derby defeat.
“It’s always difficult to play United away at Old Trafford. Now is not the right moment, next year or last year, it’s always difficult,” Maresca told reporters in advance of Saturday’s game.
“Some of the games they have played this season are not the real result. Even the Man City game, until 1-0, 2-0, they were in the game. At 0-0, they had a few chances to score. It will be a tough game, no doubt.
“When you struggle, there’s a desire to win the next game. Against Chelsea, at home, in front of their fans, they are all reasons why this game is important for them.”
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