Premier League: Manchester United vs. Chelsea Preview

Following Manchester United's convincing opening day win over Swansea, a win that not only saw them briefly alight the summit of the Premier League, but also proved the perfect start for new boss David Moyes, the reigning champions now face a much sterner test in the form of a José Mourinho-led Chelsea.

With the West London club also registering a comfortable win in their opening fixture, whilst also seeing off Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, Monday's clash could see either team put an early dent in the other's ambitions of claiming the title.

Neither club had the most productive of preseasons, but while Chelsea have been far busier in the transfer market this Summer, United still possess arguably the most lethal player in the league—Robin van Persie.

With the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson still looming over the Manchester club, much was made of how Moyes would line his team up for the trip to the Liberty Stadium, and just what kind of style they would play.

As such, though the manager had changed, the swashbuckling Manchester United brand of football was still in tact. Swansea were rightly billed as a difficult challenge and fulfilled predictions that they would have the majority of the possession, maintaining it for 53 percent of the match, but it was United's clinical edge in the final third that proved the difference. 

Similarly, United can expect to concede the majority of possession to Chelsea this coming Monday while hoping to soak up the pressure and break quickly on the counter. Carrick—who was such a pivotal figure last season—may have been quiet against Swansea, but he still calmly distributed the ball from the centre of midfield.

Against Mourinho's men, this is where United should find their most joy: using the England international to quickly distribute the ball from his back four to initiate a counter, using the pace and movement of Valencia, Welbeck and van Persie.

United have one of the most lethal strikers in the world in van Persie, and the Dutchman has shown no signs of slowing down following his 30-goal haul last season, with four in two games this campaign.

His first at the Liberty was an eloquent, acrobatic volley from ten yards, while his second was a clever jink followed by a rocket into the top corner from just outside the box. The space for his second goal was created by the criss-cross running of Welbeck and Rooney, and if the former of that pair starts against Chelsea on Monday, as is likely, Moyes will rely on the youngster's indefatigable energy levels to drag men out of position in the final third. Not to mention he's finally found his shooting boots. 

However, the Red Devils will have to be wary of the quality Chelsea possess in attack, especially considering any trio of Hazard, Mata, De Bruyne, Oscar and Schurrle could line up behind Torres or Ba. The Sengalese international scored a superb volley against the champions in the FA Cup last season, while the unpredictability and canniness of Hazard, Mata and Oscar will cause problems for any back four.

With Nemanja Vidic returned to the side and seeming fully fit, Moyes does have a defender more than capable of marshalling any of Chelsea's forward men, while United's midfield duo will have the unenviable task of shackling the constant movement of Mourinho's attacking midfield triumvirate. Mata is the one most likely to drop slightly deeper to pick up the ball in and effort to dictate play, and it wouldn't be an unwise move to deploy Phil Jones in a holding role to stifle the Spaniard.

Aside from the football, the one remaining issue that lingers around both clubs in the run-up to the closing of the transfer window on 2 September is that of the unsettled Wayne Rooney.

Chelsea have been public in their courting of the England forward and with the clubs playing each other so early on in the season, what role will Rooney have to play, if any? In his cameo against Swansea he looked sharper than he had in some time, yet neglected to celebrate with his team-mates following the two goals he had a hand in. 

If the speculation surrounding Rooney is true, it seems like a huge gamble to play him against the side he is reputedly seeking a move to. Similarly, including him in the squad, let alone the starting lineup will generate more media attention than the actual game itself. Moyes doesn't need further shadows cast over his fledgling reign. 

In essence, United will want to focus on gaining the three points and stifling the bookies and majority of outside fans that have written the club off in retaining their Premier League crown. A victory over Mourinho's Chelsea would not only constitute an impressive feat over a well-disciplined side, it would also strengthen United's title credentials and put them in good standing for the upcoming Liverpool and City derbies. 

So, with the Old Trafford crowd behind them, if van Persie continues his good form and United press Chelsea's attacking players quickly and consistently, the Red Devils could snatch a win and send the London club home pointless.

Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea