Manchester United have a tough trip to Stamford Bridge on Friday night as Ruben Amorim's side look to redeem themselves after throwing away a win under Erik ten Hag in 2024
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Ineos CEO and minority shareholder at Manchester United (left) speaks with Sir Dave Brailsford, head of sport for the INEOS group during the Premier League match at Villa Park, Birmingham
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is struggling to spark change at Manchester United, who are targeting a statement win over Chelsea on Friday
(Image: PA)
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was left red-faced the last time the Red Devils visited Stamford Bridge in 2024. And his successor, Ruben Amorim, will be praying that his side are capable of making up for that disappointment after two injury-time goals crushed their spirits.
Ten Hag, 55, was still at the United helm in April 2024 when he appeared to be on course to guide the club to their first win at Stamford Bridge in more than four years. Two Alejandro Garnacho goals, either side of a Bruno Fernandes finish, had the visitors 3-2 ahead when officials signalled for eight minutes of stoppage time, much to Ten Hag's disdain.
And the Dutchman was devastated all the more when Cole Palmer scored two goals in the 100th and 101st minutes to flip the scoreline on its head. United left west London without a point to their name, and Ten Hag showed his disgust by running down the tunnel at full time without shaking Mauricio Pochettino's hand.
Both clubs have had sweeping changes in the dugout since then, with Amorim in charge of United and Enzo Maresca now leading the Blues. But despite that handover, very little has transformed for United in the 14 months or so since that result.
In fact, things have got even worse for United, at least as far as their domestic performance is concerned. Ten Hag led the team to an all-time worst Premier League finish of eighth last season, but they now sit 16th and are certain to set a new low this term.
United are due to face Tottenham in the final of the Europa League next Wednesday, which could salvage some face this campaign. However, there's room to argue that even winning in Bilbao won't be enough to put Amorim in a good light following his first six months or so in charge.
Manager Erik ten Hag of Manchester United arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge
Erik ten Hag rushed down the tunnel without shaking Mauricio Pochettino's hand the last time he visited Stamford Bridge
Sunday's 2-0 defeat at home to West Ham was the latest sign that all is far from well at Old Trafford. United have now lost nine Premier League games at home this season; only four other teams have recorded more home losses, three of which are the three relegated clubs.
The Red Devils recently displayed their fragility when they gave up an early lead at Brentford en route to a 4-3 loss. They've also been unable to hang onto leads against the likes of Arsenal, Lyon and Liverpool in recent months.
When asked how it feels to sit 16th in the Premier League with two games remaining, Amorim said: "How a manager of Manchester United is supposed to feel in that position - embarrassed, and it's hard to accept. I think everybody has to think seriously about a lot of things here.
Manchester United head coach / manager Ruben Amorim during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and West Ham United FC at Old Trafford
Ruben Amorim is hoping Friday's visit to Stamford Bridge goes better than Ten Hag's last trip as United coach
"Everybody is thinking about the [Europa League] final. The final is not an issue in this moment in our club. We have bigger things to think and we have to change a lot of things in the end of the season."
Amorim may not be expecting wonders at Stamford Bridge, even though some of United's best work has come on the road this term. That being said, it would be a challenge for things to get much worse than the club's last trip to the ground.