Chelsea FC vs Manchester United - Guus Hiddink says Chelsea vs Man United is still a big occasion - 7M sport

Chelsea FC vs Manchester United - Guus Hiddink says Chelsea vs Man United is still a big occasion



Posted Saturday, February 06, 2016 by PA

Guus Hiddink maintains Chelsea's clash with Manchester United on Sunday is a big deal, despite the sides' seasons of struggle.

Hiddink is unbeaten in seven Premier League games, winning two, since replacing Jose Mourinho, who has been linked with the manager's job at Manchester United.

Louis van Gaal has bristled at suggestions his job is under scrutiny as United have toiled this term.

Chelsea entered this weekend's fixtures in 13th place, with Sunday's visitors to Stamford Bridge 10 points behind Leicester in fifth on Saturday morning.

"This is a big match," Hiddink said.

"Manchester (United) has to compete and likes to compete for the title, this year. And they must go into the Champions League positions.

"You know the recent history of this club. We're getting back a bit on track, although I'd like to have a few more victories.

"The team is step by step more stable and now we hope to go into a beautiful springtime."

Eden Hazard scored his first Chelsea goal of the season - and for 31 games - in last weekend's 5-1 FA Cup fourth-round victory over MK Dons and could start in the Premier League for the first time in five weeks against United.

"Bringing him back at a good level is key for us," Hiddink added.

"And not taking big, big risks, because many games are coming up and we need him."

Pedro (groin) is expected to be fit after missing the midweek draw at Watford, but Loic Remy (calf) and fellow striker Radamel Falcao (thigh) remain out and Alexandre Pato is not yet match-fit so will not be in the squad.

United boss Van Gaal feels his side can still win the title this season.

Van Gaal feels United played some "sparkling football" in the midweek win over Stoke and another victory on Sunday would reignite their campaign.

His comments come less than a fortnight after a dismal loss to Southampton that saw United and Van Gaal booed at Old Trafford and intensified speculation over his future.

But United got back to winning ways with victory at Derby in the FA Cup and then switched to a more attacking style to brush Stoke aside 3-0.

Van Gaal said: "I have the feeling that when we shall beat Chelsea - and that is not simple, that is very difficult, since Guus Hiddink has been there they don't lose any more - I think our competition, our league is starting again. That is very important.

"The competition is not yet finished, not for Manchester United or the other teams.

"We have the feeling, and that's because we are winning twice in a row and with sparkling football - with goals and clean sheets, against opponents who were in great form. Stoke City played Liverpool off the pitch in the Capital One Cup but they lost on penalties."

Van Gaal, who is still unable to select Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young or Bastian Schweinsteiger, may be expecting a tough test against Hiddink's side at Stamford Bridge but was unwilling to engage in conversation about his fellow former Dutch national boss at his latest press conference.

The pair are two of Holland's most successful managers of recent times but are not close.

Asked what his past dealings with Hiddink were like, Van Gaal said: "Professional."

In the past, Holland international Wesley Sneijder has described Van Gaal as a "tough schoolteacher" and Hiddink as a "friendly uncle".

Van Gaal was also unwilling to comment on those remarks.

He said: "It is his feeling. When he says that it is his feeling."



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