3 Iconic Clashes Between Manchester United and Chelsea in the Last Decade

Over the last decade, Manchester United and Chelsea have faced off in a series of thrilling encounters that reflect both clubs’ longstanding rivalry and rich histories. These games have been anything but ordinary, as the stakes are always high.

From late drama and tactical battles to individual brilliance and memorable goals, these encounters have been iconic moments in Premier League and domestic competition. With another iteration of this ever-evolving clash taking place on Sunday, we decided to reminisce about three of the most iconic battles between Chelsea and Manchester United in recent memory. So, without further ado, here are the three Chelsea vs Manchester United clashes that had everyone off the edge of their seats. 

1) Manchester United 4-0 Chelsea (Premier League, August 2019) 

This game marked a new beginning for both clubs: Frank Lampard was stepping in as Chelsea manager, while United were in the process of rebuilding under Ole Gunnar Solskjær. The 2019 season opener at Old Trafford was highly anticipated, with both managers under pressure to deliver from day one. While the final score was a harsh one for Chelsea, it’s a game remembered for the way it revealed United’s potential and Lampard’s challenges with a young Chelsea squad. 

Chelsea started the game brightly, with Lampard’s young squad showing energy and pace that pressed United's backline. The Blues created several chances, and Tammy Abraham even rattled the post early on. But despite their initial dominance, it was United who struck first. Kurt Zouma’s reckless challenge on Marcus Rashford resulted in a penalty, and Rashford made no mistake, converting it to give United the lead. Chelsea continued to attack, but United held firm, managing to reach halftime with a 1-0 advantage. 

As Chelsea pushed forward to equalize, United exploited the space left behind. Lampard’s defense, comprising Zouma and Andreas Christensen, was fragile, and United took full advantage. Anthony Martial doubled the lead in the 65th minute after a well-crafted move, and Rashford added his second goal just moments later. Chelsea was left reeling, unable to cope with the pace and clinical finishing of United’s attack. The final blow came when new signing Daniel James scored on his debut, sealing a 4-0 rout. 

2) Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United (FA Cup Final, May 2018) 

When Chelsea and Manchester United met in the 2018 FA Cup final, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. With both clubs facing a season without league glory, the FA Cup was a crucial opportunity for silverware. Managed by Antonio Conte and José Mourinho, both former Chelsea managers, the match was not only a battle of teams but also a tactical showdown between two of the Premier League’s most intense tacticians. 

Chelsea came out strong, eager to prove a point after a season that had fallen below their standards. Eden Hazard was Chelsea’s main threat, and his dribbling and pace repeatedly troubled United’s defense. In the 22nd minute, Hazard burst forward on a dangerous run, drawing a foul from Phil Jones in the box. The Belgian calmly converted the penalty, giving Chelsea a 1-0 lead that would ultimately prove decisive. United struggled to respond, with their midfield unable to assert control. 

Mourinho, known for his tactical nous, made a series of changes in the second half to try and wrestle back control. He introduced Romelu Lukaku and other attacking players in an attempt to break down Chelsea’s resolute defense. United pushed hard, creating chances and testing Chelsea’s resolve, but Conte’s side was incredibly disciplined at the back. César Azpilicueta and Antonio Rüdiger, in particular, put on a defensive masterclass, thwarting United’s attacks and protecting their slender lead. 

As the final whistle blew, Chelsea secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory, claiming their eighth FA Cup title. For Conte, it was a moment of vindication after a turbulent season, and it ended Mourinho’s hopes of lifting the FA Cup with United. This clash is remembered as a tense, strategic battle that showcased Chelsea’s defensive resilience and Hazard’s ability to shine in big games. The victory also deepened the rivalry between Conte and Mourinho, adding another layer to the United-Chelsea saga. 

3) Manchester United 2-0 Chelsea (Premier League, February 2020) 

The Premier League encounter between United and Chelsea in February 2020 stands out for the drama, controversy, and the impact it had on the race for the top four. Heading into the game at Stamford Bridge, both teams were fighting for Champions League qualification, making it a high-stakes match. United ultimately came away with a 2-0 victory, but the game was full of contentious moments that kept fans talking long after the final whistle. 

Chelsea started the game aggressively, with Michy Batshuayi leading the line in the absence of Tammy Abraham. The Blues created early chances, but Batshuayi missed key opportunities, squandering Chelsea’s promising start. In the 45th minute, United capitalized on their first real chance. Aaron Wan-Bissaka delivered a pinpoint cross, and Anthony Martial rose to head the ball past Willy Caballero, giving United a 1-0 lead against the run of play. It was a moment of brilliance that shifted the momentum just before halftime. 

The second half saw even more drama unfold. Chelsea thought they had leveled the score when Kurt Zouma found the net, but VAR ruled the goal out due to a foul in the buildup. United quickly took advantage of Chelsea’s frustration, and in the 66th minute, Harry Maguire doubled the lead with a towering header from a Bruno Fernandes corner. The controversy didn’t end there—another Chelsea goal, this time by Olivier Giroud, was also disallowed by VAR for a narrow offside. 

The game ended in a 2-0 victory for United, but Chelsea were left fuming over the VAR decisions that denied them two goals. For United, it was a crucial win that bolstered their top-four ambitions, while Chelsea’s frustrations reflected the tension and unpredictability of VAR.