Juan Mata Dubs Chelsea Reception “Special”

So United find themselves six points off fourth spot (and 12 behind leaders Leicester) while Chelsea are a whopping 17 points off the top four, leaving that dream dead and buried.

“We continued with our good, attacking football”, said Van Gaal, whose side held Chelsea 0-0 at home in December.

This was once one of the standout fixtures of the seasons but United’s decline since Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 coupled with Chelsea’s unexpected slump has made it a sideshow.

Man United manager Louis van Gaal voices his dissatisfaction with referee Michael Oliver following their 1-1 draw against Chelsea.

The Spaniard spent two-and-a-half successful seasons at Chelsea before joining Manchester United in January 2014 after falling out of favour with then Blues boss Jose Mourinho.

United had dictated the pace of Sunday’s game, initially showcasing a newly-discovered vigor and passing precision, but only scored in the 61st minute.

Chelsea took half an hour to get going before making a series of chances with Costa, playing against United for the first time, driving just beyond the far post before Oscar shot over the bar.

“It’s a hard one”, Terry said.

There was a blow for Chelsea approaching the hour when Kurt Zouma’s right leg buckled after leaping for a high ball.

Buoyed by breezy recent wins over Derby County, in the FA Cup, and Stoke City, in the league, United made a strong start, with Anthony Martial testing Thibaut Courtois in the 18th minute.

On Zouma s injury, Hiddink said: “Tomorrow we know more, but if you have this injury – and everyone has seen how bad it is – hyper-extension is always bad”.

Chelsea’s response was Branislav Ivanovic’s volley that De Gea saved. Blind slipped as Cesc Fabregas threaded the ball through the United defense and Costa withstood Cameron Borthwick-Jackson’s challenge before rounding De Gea to score.

He was even close to a winning goal in the sixth and last minute of stoppage time but was denied by the goalkeeper.

Juan Mata has already paid tribute to Chelsea’s fans for the warm reception he was given during Manchester United’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.