David Luiz has warned Manchester United that Chelsea will be determined to end their double dream when the two sides meet in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
Defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday night put paid to United’ treble ambition but they still hold a commanding lead in the Premier League and have the chance of doing the domestic double, provided they can get passed Chelsea.
Tuesday’s loss was United’s first since December and they will be keen to make amends when Rafael Benitez brings his Chelsea side to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Luiz, however, is keen to inflict more pain on United and he has urged his team-mates to capitalise on the Red Devils loss to Real Madrid.
“It’s difficult when you have been knocked out of an amazing competition like the Champions League because your confidence is not the same after,” Luiz said.
“The happiness in Manchester United’s hearts will not be there and Chelsea can use this to win our game on Sunday.
“United will be playing at home but some players and supporters will be thinking ‘it’s not the Champions League’ and it will be difficult for them to come in with the same form.”
Ahead of the FA Cup tie, Chelsea face their own European test against Steaua Bucharest on Thursday and Benitez has no plans to rest players for the United clash.
“Sunday against Manchester United is something we can only think about when this game is finished because I have a responsibility to focus on every game,” Benitez explained.
“We have a lot of games to play, but we believe fatigue will not be a problem for the players so long as we do this properly. This is the way when you are a top club, playing so many matches at this stage of the season.
“You have to be prepared for that and as the manager, it is my job to look at the squad and make decisions from game to game. You cannot say the FA Cup is more important. Chelsea should look to win every game, every competition.”
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