Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick has delivered his verdict on Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea ahead of Sunday's clash at Stamford Bridge, particular praising their build-up play.
It will be the second game of Carrick's spell as boss after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in the wake of last weekend's 4-1 loss to Watford. A 2-0 win against Villarreal got them off to the perfect start and he will be keen to follow that up against the Blues.
Sadly for Carrick, it is likely to be his final game in charge of the Red Devils with Ralf Rangnick expected to arrive next week to take over until the end of the season.
But for now, the focus remains on a daunting trip to the Premier League leaders with Chelsea the noticeable favourites ahead of Sunday's clash.
During his pre-match duties, Carrick gave his thoughts on Tuchel's side and he was not reserved in his praise.
"Hugely impressed by how they go about things," Carrick told his pre-match press conference on Friday. "Super intense, well organised, really good movement across our backline and their frontline. Very good at connecting with the midfield, with the back three building up and connecting into midfield, narrowing up and giving you problems with the wing-backs.
"We have to get a result and I believe we can."
Chelsea and United boast very different records against the so-called 'big-six' this season.
Tuchel has led his side to convincing victories against Spurs and Arsenal, and held Liverpool to a draw at Anfield. United, however, have been humbled by both Liverpool and Manchester City at Old Trafford, losing 5-0 and 2-0 respectively.
Spurs are the only big-six side Solskjaer has got the better of so far this term while City are the only team to take three points from Chelsea.
