ManU versus Chelsea – most exciting game in history

By Emmanuel Tholosi in Italy

Manchester United Vs Chelsea has become one of the most exciting games in the history of English football.

They meet again in an FA Cup quarter-final replay on Monday.

The results from this season are Chelsea 2 United 3, in the league; Chelsea 5 United 4, in the League Cup; and United 2 Chelsea 2 in the FA Cup.

They are still to play twice this season, but classic cup ties between the two are not limited to now.

For 75 minutes, United played some of the finest football that we have ever played, humiliating the cup holders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

We were champions, but Chelsea had drawn 2-2 at Old Trafford a few months earlier and fancied their chances at home.

There were parallels with the recent FA Cup game at Old Trafford. United were cruising and leading 2-0 at half time, but Rafa Benitez made intelligent substitutes and Chelsea improved dramatically in the second half.

The changes of John Obi Mikel for Frank Lampard and Eden Hazard for Victor Moses were booed by Chelsea fans, but Benitez got it right.

They limited United’s space in the middle, scored twice through Hazard and Ramires, and only a late save by David de Gea kept United in the cup.

Both teams get a second chance. I do not think we will see the high number of goals as in recent clashes as United have tightened their defence up, competition is keener and they are not carrying the injuries of earlier in the season – though I could have said the same before Chelsea scored two at Old Trafford.

Having been knocked out of Europe, United want to win the league and FA Cup double. They have won the won the FA Cup a record 11 times, but not since 2004. Chelsea have won it four times in the past six years.

United will not be using words like “revenge”, but winning would also mean that City finish the season without a trophy.

That is cup football; anything can happen.

That is why we love the FA Cup, and why I cannot wait to see Monday’s replay (54).