Wayne Rooney is convinced Chelsea will still be experiencing a Champions League final hangover at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Although it is almost nine months since Manchester United profited at the Blues' expense to collect the biggest prize in European club football in Moscow, Rooney feels it will be a long time before Chelsea get over the heartache.
He sensed it at Stamford Bridge when the two sides met in September and he does not feel it will be much different when Luiz Felipe Scolari's men tackle the Red Devils on enemy territory for the first time since that fateful penalty shoot-out.
"Losing the Champions League final to any team is difficult but to lose to one of your big rivals is hard to take," Rooney told United Review.
"The next game against that team is always going to be a big one, with people talking about the final and the players no doubt thinking about it as well.
"You could definitely tell it was still on their minds and I am sure it will be the case again tomorrow - I bet our fans will be reminding them."
Liverpool's failure to beat Stoke on Saturday means United will be back in pole position should they overcome Chelsea, who are attempting to preserve an unbeaten away record, as they will have two games in hand and be just five points back.
It just heightens the anticipation, emphasising why every member of Sir Alex Ferguson's squad wants to play.
"You always want to play against the best teams," said Rooney.
"There has been great competition between the two sides in the last few years and there is always a lot at stake whenever we play each other.
"It's a big match for us because we know if we win, we will be within a point of Chelsea."
Source:
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