Manchester United's Harry Maguire is determined to put an end to Chelsea's unbeaten run under Thomas Tuchel. EPA
Manchester United's Harry Maguire is determined to put an end to Chelsea's unbeaten run under Thomas Tuchel. EPA
Manchester United's Harry Maguire is determined to put an end to Chelsea's unbeaten run under Thomas Tuchel. EPA
Manchester United's Harry Maguire is determined to put an end to Chelsea's unbeaten run under Thomas Tuchel. EPA

Manchester United's Harry Maguire determined to 'spoil' Chelsea party


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Manchester United captain Harry Maguire is determined to "spoil" Chelsea's promising start to life under Thomas Tuchel on Sunday.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's second-placed side head to Stamford Bridge six points better off than the in-form hosts, who have yet to lose since German Tuchel succeeded club great Frank Lampard last month.

Tuchel extended his unbeaten start to life at Chelsea to an eighth match in all competitions with Tuesday's impressive 1-0 first-leg win against La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last-16.

United head to west London looking to maintain their own impressive record, having gone undefeated in a club best 19 successive top-flight away games – a run that started with last February's 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

"Obviously, Chelsea's going to be a tough game but we went there last year and won and we'll be looking to do that again," said skipper Maguire, who scored the second goal in that victory.

"They're keeping their position very nicely and build up really well and not conceding many goals, so it's a good start [for them]. We're hoping to spoil that.

"It's a great reaction [to the change of manager]. They're a great group of players with tons of talent and the money they spent in the summer, they're starting to gel, starting to tick, but we've got to look at ourselves, first and foremost.

"We go into the game full of confidence, full of belief. We'll make sure we play to the ability of what we're capable of and go and get the three points."

Donny Van De Beek should return to the United fold at Stamford Bridge, but Solskjaer said Edinson Cavani and Scott McTominay continue to join Paul Pogba on the sidelines.

Juan Mata is out and Daniel James is being assessed after limping out of the Europa League last-32 second leg 0-0 draw with Real Sociedad on Thursday, when Solskjaer rested some players as they boasted a 4-0 first-leg lead.

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Chelsea 0 Man United 2: A goal for Maguire

  • Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, right, during their 2-0 victory at Chelsea in February, the third win for United against the Blues this season. Getty
    Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, right, during their 2-0 victory at Chelsea in February, the third win for United against the Blues this season. Getty
  • Harry Maguire, left, heads home the second goal. EPA
    Harry Maguire, left, heads home the second goal. EPA
  • Chelsea manager Frank Lampard. AFP
    Chelsea manager Frank Lampard. AFP
  • Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates after the win. AFP
    Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates after the win. AFP
  • Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates with Harry Maguire after the match. Reuters
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer celebrates with Harry Maguire after the match. Reuters
  • Manchester United defender Harry Maguire celebrates the win. AFP
    Manchester United defender Harry Maguire celebrates the win. AFP
  • Anthony Martial celebrates scoring their first goal with Daniel James as Chelsea's Jorginho looks dejected. Reuters
    Anthony Martial celebrates scoring their first goal with Daniel James as Chelsea's Jorginho looks dejected. Reuters
  • Harry Maguire clears the ball at Stamford Bridge. AFP
    Harry Maguire clears the ball at Stamford Bridge. AFP
  • Harry Maguire (No 5) of Manchester United scores their second goal. EPA
    Harry Maguire (No 5) of Manchester United scores their second goal. EPA
  • Anthony Martial celebrates his goal with teammates. Getty
    Anthony Martial celebrates his goal with teammates. Getty
  • Kurt Zouma celebrates with Antonio Rudiger before his goal is disallowed following a referral to VAR. Reuters
    Kurt Zouma celebrates with Antonio Rudiger before his goal is disallowed following a referral to VAR. Reuters
  • The big screen displays the decision after a VAR review, disallowing a goal from Chelsea's French defender Kurt Zouma for a foul in the build-up. AFP
    The big screen displays the decision after a VAR review, disallowing a goal from Chelsea's French defender Kurt Zouma for a foul in the build-up. AFP
  • Chelsea's Olivier Giroud celebrates with teammates before his goal is disallowed by VAR. Reuters
    Chelsea's Olivier Giroud celebrates with teammates before his goal is disallowed by VAR. Reuters
  • Anthony Martial shoots at goal. Reuters
    Anthony Martial shoots at goal. Reuters

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Maguire was among those reduced to a watching brief but is sure to be restored to the starting line-up on Sunday as United continue to juggle domestic and European exertions at an important period of the season.

"Every three or four days you've got to be focused and mentally prepared to go and get the three points," Maguire said.

"You've got to be prepared to keep winning, winning, winning and finding that consistency to enable us to get to where we want to be. If you want to get to where we want to be, you've got to be consistent."

United's reward for their triumph against Sociedad is a tough-looking Europa League last-16 tie against Serie A giants AC Milan, meaning Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return to Old Trafford next month.

"It certainly does [feel like a Champions League tie]," Maguire told club media. "AC Milan is a massive club, great tradition. Obviously, it's at the San Siro. It's an exciting tie to be involved in.

"But we're not looking at that one at the minute - we've probably got three, four games to play before that one. It's a great tie and one we look forward to and we'll be ready for when it comes around."