When Manchester United travelled to Chelsea earlier this season in the Premier League, Jose Mourinho grabbed the headlines with a touchline fracas after United conceded a late equaliser.
Exactly two months after Mourinho left Old Trafford, United were back at Stamford Bridge to produce a stirring performance and march into the FA Cup quarter finals.
A lot has changed for both sides since the league fixture at Stamford Bridge back in October, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer masterminding a mid-season transformation at United, while Chelsea’s form since the turn of the year has been nothing short of shambolic.
Defeats to Arsenal, Bournemouth, Chelsea, Man City and United have the Blues out of the Champions League places and now out of the FA Cup. Maurizio Sarri’s men are in the Carabao Cup final against City on Sunday is a chance to kick-start 2019 for Chelsea – if Sarri is still in charge.
The pressure has been building on Sarri in recent weeks, especially after the 6-0 defeat at City, and home fans were vocal in their feelings about his management against United.
United fans were vocal too, but in support of their side.
Wolves await in the quarter-finals after the draw was also made last night, with United facing another away trip to Premier League opposition.
United’s supporters chanted “Bring back Mourinho!” in the direction of Chelsea’s fans last night.
It says a lot about how far the Portuguese’s stock has fallen that he has become the subject of mockery from sets of fans who have both at times loved him.