Ole knows significance of Chelsea clash

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping to cut the gap to fourth-placed Chelsea to just three points when we lock horns with the Blues on Monday.

The Reds return from our mid-season winter break with a trip to Stamford Bridge, and the boss knows how significant victory in the capital could be.

United currently trail Frank Lampard’s side by six points in the Premier League, meaning a victory could move us to within touching distance of the Champions League positions.

“Yeah a win gives us a three-point gap and, of course, that's what we've got to aim for,” Ole told the media during Friday’s pre-match press conference.

“We've played them twice already this season and done well, but Chelsea are a good team. They are at home, but we're going to go there to try to win the game.

“We've got to, to give us more belief and more hope and give us confidence that we can kick on, because we need to kick on.”

During our 16-day hiatus from Premier League action, the Reds have spent time in Marbella on a warm-weather training camp.

This is the first year that a mid-season break has been introduced in English football and, after such a busy period over the past few months, Ole believes the advantages of having a rest will be clear to see.

“I think it's beneficial for absolutely everyone in the squad, individually, the team, but also the other teams and the league,” he said.

“I think the league will see a benefit from it. I think the quality of the football will improve, because December and January were relentless for us, so it is a good move by the authorities to give that weekend, because at Man United you never get a space of two weeks without a game really.

“It's just up to the boys to show that freshness that they've shown this week.”