Can United Realistically End Chelsea's Unbeaten Run?

It's no secret that Manchester United and Chelsea have been worlds apart so far, 8 games into the Premier League. This Sunday, the two heavy-weights clash together in what will be only the second meeting between Louis Van Gaal and his once-apprentice, Jose Mourinho, when Chelsea make the trip up north to Old Trafford. There are mixed opinions about the outcome of this match, however the majority think that United's chances are very slim.

Chelsea had a relatively harder start to the season than Manchester United. They've faced 4 of the 8 that United also played against, Leicester, Burnley, Swansea, and Everton. Where United only managed a win - Everton, as opposed to Chelsea's maximum 12 points out of 12 - those 4 teams. Moreover, Chelsea's other 4 opponents were Arsenal, Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace, which most would agree are harder to overcome than United's 4 of Sunderland, QPR, West Ham, and West Brom. That said, Chelsea went past those 4 teams in flying colours, dropping only two points in a 1-1 draw - Manchester City. Although United managed to beat QPR and West Ham, they only managed to scrape draws - Sunderland and West Brom. 

What's been widely criticised along with the results is United's performance. Going forward they have been decent, with new signings taking a big part. However, at the back, it's been school-boy defending for the majority of the first 8 matches. The biggest proof lays in United's 5-3 loss to Leicester. Chelsea, however, have performed superbly. They are a force going forward, with new striker Diego Costa being very lethal, and ex-Gunner Cesc Fabregas pin-pointing almost every pass, they've managed to score a total of 23 goals, as opposed to United's 15. They have also been marginally solid at the back, conceding only 8 goals compared to United's 12. 

At the end of the day, while Chelsea are the favourites, if there's anyone to help United out of the hole they've dug themselves into, and end Chelsea's unbeaten run, it's Louis Van Gaal. Whatever the result however, Sunday's match promises to be exciting to say the least.