Chelsea are currently sixth in the Premier League. After a promising start to Liam Rosenior's time as Blues boss, they have now lost four of their last five league games and have lost their last three.
**Michael Carrick's**United side are in third and are seven points ahead of the Londoners.
When they met back in September, with the sides managed by Enzo Maresca and Ruben Amorim,, it finished 2-1 to the Red Devils.
Both sides are looking to qualify for the UEFAChampions League**** for next season and, whilst Manchester United look set to do that, Chelsea face a challenge.
It is not over and there are still six games to play and they also have an **FA Cup**semi final against Leeds United to come so they can still make a success of the season.
Liverpool sit a place above the Blues in fifth and on 52 points. Fifth place will secure entry to Europe's top competition but Chelsea have to get back to form.
Liverpool have been inconsistent this season but they have the advantage when it comes to securing the qualification spots.
In order to attract and retain their star players, it could be argued that it is essential that they finish in the top five.
Enzo Fernandez has recently expressed interest in a potential move away from the club.
Whilst Chelsea's transfer policy in recent seasons has not always worked and has been criticised at times, the financial advantages that come from playing in the Champions League cannot be understated.
Winning the UEFAConference League**** last season was a success, but it is not the level that the club want to be playing at.
FA Cup success would bring a trophy and reasons to celebrate but finishing in the top five would arguably be more important.
It may be only early into his reign at the club but Liam Rosenior may be under a bit of pressure due to his side's difficult run.
When he first came in, he won his first five league games but since then there have been setbacks.
It is likely that he will be given the summer window and it is never easy for a coach to come in during the season.
However, a strong end to the campaign would certainly help and restore some of the belief that he can be the man to take the club forward and compete at the highest level once again.
Worth looking behind them too?
Whilst they want to be looking up the table, perhaps they should also look over their shoulder.
Brentford and Everton are just a point behind Chelsea are both are in better form. They will be looking to capitalise on any games where the Blues drop points.
A further two teams are just two points behind Chelsea so the table remains very close.
If they do not pick up points at a good rate and continue their slump, then there is a possibility that the club ends up in the Conference League again or even without European football.
It could be said that Rosenior's side are a little bit lost at the moment and are not entirely sure what their level is.
After a promising first half against Manchester City last week, they were then outplayed in the second half.
Manchester United have improved a lot since the start of 2026 but it is still a game where Chelsea should believe they can pick up points.
It is not a game that will decide if they finish in the Champions League spaces alone, as there would remain more work to do.
However, it could be a day where they respond to the critics and prove that they can compete. A positive outcome could give them a much-needed boost of confidence ahead of their final set of fixtures.