The animosity started back in October 2016 when United boss José Mourinho accused Chelsea counterpart Antonio Conte of disrespecting him by celebrating over-zealously when the Blues dismantled the Red Devils 4-0 in a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge.

Since then, things have got personal. Very personal indeed. Mourinho’s had a sly dig at Conte’s hair transplant and suggested the Italian is a “clown”; Conte’s branded Mourinho a “little man” and a “fake”. And while you may be scratching your head in utter astonishment that these are two grown-ups we’re talking about, don’t expect them to put their differences aside and play nicely any time soon.

However, both managerial firebrands will need to show cooler heads when their sides square off at the Theatre of Dreams. Why? Because this match will go a long way to determining who finishes second this season (Manchester City have won the league – let it go). Victory for United would see the Red Devils take a firm grip on the runner-up spot, while three points for Chelsea can give the Blues a much-needed boost in confidence, following an indifferent start to 2018.

Whether it’s the drama on the touchline or the tension on the pitch, this fixture has all the ingredients of a combustible classic. And we wouldn’t want it any other way.

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