Chelsea and Manchester United are two of the biggest and most dominant clubs in England, having won a combined nine Premier League titles in the last 11 seasons.
The Blues host the Red Devils this weekend at Stamford Bridge as they add another chapter to this rivalry. Sportsnet has highlighted five of the most memorable games between these Premier League giants ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Saturday programming alert: Watch Chelsea vs. Manchester United on the four main Sportsnet channels at 10:30 am ET. For Sportsnet’s full broadcast schedule for this weekend’s Premier League action, CLICK HERE
Chicharito helps Man United stave off Chelsea en route to Premier League title
The top-two teams in the Premier League during the 2010-11 season were Chelsea and Manchester United. The sides were separated by just three points, with United on top of the table, when they met on May 8, 2011 at Old Trafford.
Javier Hernandez got the Red Devils off to a flyer as he scored after just 36 seconds. Nemanja Vidic doubled the lead in the 23rd minute via a corner, which established the foundation for what was likely to be a massive victory.
Frank Lampard cut the deficit in half with just over 20 minutes left in the game, but United was still able to close out the game.
The win increased United’s lead to six points at the top of the Premier League. A couple of weeks later, the club won a record 19th title and the Blues ended up firing Carlo Ancelotti.
United edges out Chelsea in dramatic Champions League quarterfinal
United and Chelsea have met in a couple of high-profile Champions League matches in recent years. The quarterfinal from the 2010-11 season is often forgotten, but the second leg of this tie was a true nail-biter.
United entered the match at Old Trafford with a 1-0 lead thanks to Wayne Rooney’s goal at Stamford Bridge in the first leg. When Javier Hernandez struck just before halftime in the return match, it appeared as if Chelsea was all but eliminated.
Ramires ended up getting sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a challenge on winger Nani in the second half. However, Didier Drogba pounced on 77 minutes to bring the Blues within one goal of reaching the semifinals.
The jubilation was short-lived, as Park Ji-sung restored the two-goal advantage just seconds later to clinch United’s spot in the semis against Schalke.
Eric Cantona leads Man United to FA Cup glory
The 1994 FA Cup final at the original Wembley Stadium was a special day for Manchester United fans, and one to forget for any Chelsea supporter.
The Blues actually controlled the first half, but Gavin Peacock couldn’t capitalize on a tremendous chance when he volleyed a shot off the crossbar. The teams went into the break tied at 0-0.
United began the second half with more urgency after a flat performance in the opening 45 minutes. United won two penalties, which were both converted by Eric Cantona. Mark Hughes and Brian McClair also struck to secure a huge 4-0 win.
Despite United’s storied history, it was the first time the club had completed a domestic double by winning both the Premier League and FA Cup in the same season. The Red Devils were just the fourth English team to complete this feat in the 20th century.
Chelsea clinches its second Premier League crown in style
Both Man United and Chelsea were fighting for the Premier League title heading into the final weeks of the 2005-06 season.
Jose Mourinho’s side welcomed the Mancunians to Stamford Bridge on April 29, needing just one point to clinch the title.
Defender William Gallas eased the nerves of the fans with a booming header on five minutes. Joe Cole doubled the lead with a brilliantly taken goal after an hour before Ricardo Carvalho buried Chelsea’s third of the match.
This was also the last time Mourinho won the Premier League before he returned to Chelsea and claimed the title last year.
John Terry’s slip-up is Manchester United’s gain
The 2008 Champions League final in Moscow is usually the first game that most fans remember when “Chelsea vs. Man United” is mentioned.
It was the first all-English final in the competition’s history, which is why this game was such a special event. Thankfully for the fans, the match lived up to its billing.
Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for United on 26 minutes, but Frank Lampard pulled Chelsea level just before halftime. The score line remained at 1-1, which forced extra time.
Prior to the conclusion of the extra interval, both teams were involved in an altercation, which led to Didier Drogba getting sent off. The referee’s assistant saw Drogba slap Nemanja Vidic, resulting in a red card. However, the match still ended in a stalemate after 120 minutes.
During the penalty shootout, both sides were level at 2-2 before Ronaldo missed in the third round. At 4-4, John Terry had a chance to clinch the Champions League title, but he slipped and smacked the ball off the crossbar.
United buried their next two attempts, then goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar stopped Nicolas Anelka’s shot to secure the victory.
This was an emotional win for United, as it was claimed on the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster.
