Not only have Chelsea improved their formidable squad during the close season and started the new campaign with back-to-back wins, but in Mourinho they boast a coach who has a history of upsetting United's best-laid plans.
It was Mourinho who led Porto to a sensational success at Old Trafford in 2004; it was he who momentarily knocked United off their pedestal in his first stint at Chelsea, and he guided Real Madrid to a smash-and-grab win over United in last season's Champions League.
He was briefly touted as a possible successor to Alex Ferguson as manager of the English champions before United plumped for tradition over razzmatazz and went for the comparatively untested Moyes.
The former Everton manager saw his new side run out convincing 4-1 winners at Swansea City in their opening Premier League game last weekend, but this evening’s match is unlikely to be quite so straightforward.
Chelsea already have two wins behind them — last Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat of Aston Villa having been brought forward due to the London club’s involvement in the UEFA Super Cup — and they can move six points clear of United with a win at Old Trafford.
Moyes, though, is relishing the challenge.
“There have been a lot of things I have been looking forward to: taking the team on tour, leading them out at Wembley,” he said.
“But to do it at Old Trafford for the first game against Chelsea is a thrill for me, it really is.”
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