Enzo Maresca expects a reaction from Manchester United following Erik ten Hag’s sacking – as the Chelsea boss goes in search of his club’s first win at Old Trafford in more than a decade

Enzo Maresca expects Chelsea will face a tougher test from Manchester United with the sacking of Erik ten Hag reinvigorating their opponents, but has ordered the Premier League’s youngest team to show zero fear at Old Trafford.

Chelsea have not won at that stadium since a 1-0 victory in May 2013, when Sir Alex Ferguson was still in charge. 

Maresca senses United’s players will be extra motivated to maintain that record – more so than they would have been if Ten Hag had remained in post – but has called on Cole Palmer and Co to embrace the intimidating atmosphere awaiting them on Sunday.

‘When you change manager, always for the first one, two, three games, you can see the reaction from the players,’ Maresca said. ‘So probably it will be.

‘For sure, Old Trafford is one of the stadiums in the world that is “nice” in terms of intimidation. Like Anfield. Or in Italy, the San Siro years ago, or in Spain, Barcelona and Madrid. They are stadiums that are nice for intimidating.

The Blues boss insisted his side will be prepared for a reaction from United following Erik ten Hag’s sacking

Chelsea’s last victory at Old Trafford came over a decade ago as Juan Mata struck late in a 1-0 win

‘We played a few weeks ago at Anfield and the performance was there. I don’t think the players feel that kind of intimidation so hopefully it can be the same on Sunday.’

Jadon Sancho is the only absentee for Chelsea. He is currently unwell but was ineligible to face his parent club.