Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has insisted the Blues' youngsters are much better than Manchester United's current crop.
The Blues have enjoyed unrivalled success this season with bringing through academy graduates under Frank Lampard.
Tammy Abraham, Reece James, Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi have all established themselves as first-team regulars.
For the likes of Abraham, Tomori and Mount they have hit the ground running, whilst James and Hudson-Odoi are now finding their best form after recovering from serious injuries.
Their success has helped the Blues up to third in the table, nine points clear of top four rivals Arsenal after the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Given the transfer ban imposed on Lampard, the success he's had with such a young group of inexperienced players is remarkable.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has tried to implement a similar philosophy at Manchester United but he hasn't enjoyed the same success.
The Red Devils are already 10 points behind Chelsea after 12 matches.
Whilst the approaches of the two managers have been similar, Cole has explained the reason behind Chelsea's success is simply because their young players are better than United's.
"I don't think you'll ever get the perfect storm which happened when Fergie [Sir Alex Ferguson] brought through all the young players through at Manchester United," Cole told BT Sport.
"They were all local lads and then they went on to win things, there are a mix and a blend to have for that and I think Chelsea are the closest club to achieving it.
"The players coming through at Manchester United are good players but I don't see any Callum Hudson-Odois, no Mason Mounts but they are good players.
"Credit Manchester United for developing them."
