Rival bosses in battle of wits

TWO of Europe’s most celebrated coaches are set to lock horns at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho have deep mutual respect, but both will be desperate to get one over on the other when Manchester United play leaders Chelsea.

The pair worked together at Barcelona when current Reds boss Van Gaal was in charge of the Catalan giants and Mourinho an assistant.

Despite coaching some of the biggest clubs on the planet, the pair have only met once in a competitive fixture - the 2010 Champions League final.

Mourinho, now back at Chelsea for a second stint as manager, came out on top on that occasion as his Inter Milan side defeated Bayern Munich 2-0.

Both men are deep tactical thinkers and, despite their friendship, a blood and thunder battle is expected at Old Trafford.

Current form suggests Chelsea should have the upper hand. Scoring goals hasn’t been a problem for United’s expensive forward line, but letting them in at the other end of the pitch has.