A key difference between Manchester United and Chelsea was pointed out by a former star of both clubs

Nemanja Matic pulled no punches on the major difference between two of England’s biggest clubs, accusing Manchester United of prioritising brand value over silverware.

After lifting two Premier League titles during a ruthless, trophy-driven era at Chelsea, the Serbian midfielder joined Old Trafford for £40million in 2017 - only to endure five seasons without a single honour.

As his former clubs prepare to meet at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Matic’s past comments reveal a stark contrast between Chelsea and Manchester United. The Sassuolo midfielder previously shared that he noticed a clear difference in ambition almost immediately after making the switch – a gap that became even more apparent to him during Lyon’s Europa League clash with United last season.

Matic explained: "The difference I felt after Chelsea was that, at Chelsea, everything was about the result and winning trophies. That was the spirit in the whole club, even from the man who cuts the grass.

"Roman Abramovich would only ask us about results. At United, it was more commercial-minded. I started to think that after a couple of months in the club." Reflecting on United's inability to win silverware during his tenure, Matic added: "We did our best every single year, the players, the coaches, but we didn't win.

"If I compare how we did with United now, then we did great, but of course, United cannot be happy finishing second. United need to be winning leagues. We gave it our best and sometimes we'd get criticised, but I didn't see any major problems in the club.

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"The organisation was very good, the conditions perfect." Michael Carrick will stay in the dugout for United's clash against Chelsea after being granted additional time to reverse the club's struggling form.

United have secured just a single league victory this season and have experienced recent upheaval after captain Bruno Fernandes was axed for their 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth following his public criticism of Carrick's tactics in the wake of their 4-1 loss to Como.

Fernandes' antics has prompted Paul Scholes to suggest the Portuguese star's United career is over following his "unforgivable" outburst. The 51-year-old said: "What Bruno Fernandes said last week, I think that's unforgivable.

"How can Bruno Fernandes be trusted to be captain of any team he ever goes to now? I think he probably needs to get away from European football and just go to Saudi, just get out the way. I don't think any manager, any member of staff can trust him after that."