United play down fears over a repeat of 'Battle at the Bridge'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Manchester United's rattled players are insisting there will be no repeat of the battle of Stamford Bridge when they attempt to rescue a miserable start to the season by winning at Chelsea on Sunday.

United continued their poor form last night when they were held to a goalless draw by Villarreal in the Champions League at Old Trafford, even though Cristiano Ronaldo returned as a second-half substitute.

The result means Sir Alex Ferguson's side have won just once in their opening five games of the season and now face the prospect of taking on a fired-up Chelsea side.

There are also still bitter memories of last year's League clash at the Bridge which ended in controversy when Rio Ferdinand had to apologise for accidentally kicking a female steward as he left the pitch following Chelsea's dramatic 2-1 victory. And then a 30-man brawl between United stars and Chelsea groundstaff erupted as the players warmed down an hour later.

United defender Patrice Evra has since been charged with misconduct for his part in the scuffle and will attend a personal hearing on 2 October. And Chelsea are furious they have also been charged after groundsman Sam Bethell was accused of racial abuse - which the club deny. It all adds up to a huge game on Sunday but United midfielder Darren Fletcher doesn't expect any further fireworks.

He said: "I don't think anyone is going to be even more fired up because of the past. Manchester United at Chelsea is a massive match and everything that's happened in the past will be forgotten about."

Evra also insisted last season's brawl will have "no affect" on the match. With United in freefall, the return of Ronaldo couldn't have come at a better time. He played 28 minutes last night and twice came close to setting up a winner for his side - including a header from defender Jonny Evans that hit a post.

He also received a standing ovation from the United fans, a sure sign that he has been forgiven despite spending the entire summer trying to instigate a move to Real Madrid.