5 reasons why Chelsea will destroy Manchester United

#1 N’Golo Kante's return

Chelsea v Manchester City - Premier League

Injury to key player N’Golo Kante has been one of the main reasons for Chelsea’s recent turn of fate. Kante works as the defensive screen to the back three and offers stability to the defence. He had been crucial during Leicester’s title-winning campaign as well as Conte’s first Premier League title last year.

However, in his absence, Tiemoue Bakayoko has been used as the holding midfielder. Unfortunately, Bakayoko has a tendency to move forward which exposes the back three to marauding attackers. His partner in the engine room has often been Cesc Fabregas who shares this tendency.

As a result, opponent managers often get to capitalise on the space left behind by the two midfielders. In the event, one of the midfielders loses the ball of opposition players, there remains no further screen to protect the defensive line.

With Kante back in the fold, the defence will be able to thwart off attacks from Manchester United, while building up from the back to support the forwards up front. He will be tasked to keep the defensive discipline and maintain team shape, while Fabregas will be freed up to take a more advanced role upfront.

Additionally, the inclusion of Danny Drinkwater will help Kante strike up a familiar partnership and maintain a well-connected engine room. With less worry in front of the back three, the likes of Willian, Eden Hazard, Pedro and Alvaro Morata will be able to strike fear in the heart of opponent defences like it was in the beginning of the season.