Chelsea meet Manchester United this afternoon with a chance to all but wrap up the Premier League title if they beat the Red Devils, which will bring back memories of a classic from 2006 when Jose Mourinho’s men beat Sir Alex Ferguson’s side 3-0 to confirm their status as champions that season. Here’s a look back at the two sets of teams from that day and where they are now…
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Goalkeepers:
Petr Cech – Chelsea’s number one that day, the Czech Republic shot-stopper went on to enjoy a great career with the Blues but is no longer first choice as of this season after losing his place to Thibaut Courtois.
Edin van der Sar – A Manchester United legend who helped the club back to dominance with a title win the following season, who then retired from the game in 2011. He currently works at his old club Ajax as a marketing director.
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Defenders:
Paulo Ferreira – A player who totally fizzled out at Chelsea after losing his place and deciding to keep collecting his wages on the bench, Paulo Ferreira retired in 2013.
William Gallas – A scorer for Chelsea that day, William Gallas left the Blues for Arsenal that summer and also went on to play for Tottenham and Perth Glory before retiring last summer.
Ricardo Carvalho – Still a key player for Ligue 1 giants AS Monaco, Ricardo Carvalho continues to perform at the top level even at the age of 36.
John Terry – A Chelsea legend still going strong, John Terry will lead the team out against United at Stamford Bridge again this afternoon.
Gary Neville – Now everyone’s favourite pundit for Sky Sports, Gary Neville tasted plenty more success for United despite defeat that day.
Mikael Silvestre – Most recently of Indian Super League side Chennaiyin, Mikael Silvestre has now retired after an underwhelming end to his career.
Rio Ferdinand – Currently at Queens Park Rangers, Rio Ferdinand left United last summer and got his own back against Chelsea with many more title wins in his career at Old Trafford.
Nemanja Vidic – Past his best now and struggling to impress with Inter Milan, Nemanja Vidic was not yet a star at United, but went on to become club captain and one of their best players.
Midfielders:
Claude Makelele – A Chelsea legend, Claude Makelele is now retired and hoping to make it in management, though he is currently without a club.
Michael Essien – A player whose career has been ruined by injuries, Michael Essien is now a reserve player at AC Milan after leaving Chelsea last season.
Frank Lampard – In a surprise twist, Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is now on loan at rivals Manchester City from MLS side New York City FC.
John O’Shea – Playing in midfield that day, it’s clear things were desperate for United. Now back in defence and with relegation strugglers Sunderland.
Ryan Giggs – Now assistant manager at Old Trafford, Ryan Giggs retired at the end of last season to work under Louis van Gaal.
Park Ji-sung – Working for United still, Park Ji-sung is a club ambassador after retiring from playing last summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Barely making an impact that day, Cristiano Ronaldo has since scored against Chelsea in a Champions League final and become perhaps the best player in the world.
Attack:
Joe Cole – Playing this weekend, but for Aston Villa in an FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool, if he gets into the team, that is.
Arjen Robben – One of the best players foolishly let go by Chelsea, Arjen Robben is with Bayern Munich and a world class attacker.
Didier Drogba – Still with Chelsea, but Didier Drogba is way past his peak now at the age of 37, though injuries could mean he still starts.
Wayne Rooney – Now an experienced head and club captain of this United side, Wayne Rooney is still expected to be a key player this afternoon.
Louis Saha – Going on to enjoy success with Everton and Tottenham, Louis Saha most recently played for Lazio and is now retired as of 2014.
