Chelsea must approach their upcoming clash with Manchester United with the utmost caution, particularly when it comes to keeping Bruno Fernandes quiet.

United have endured a turbulent month, with players making public comments criticising the club and its management, performances dropping to worrying levels and supporters growing increasingly frustrated with the direction of the team.

Fernandes has found himself at the centre of the storm following his comments about Michael Carrick's tactics against Como. In my view, the Portuguese midfielder was unhappy about being substituted and was not afraid to make his feelings known. However, the pair have since cleared the air, and Fernandes is expected to lead United into battle once again with the captain's armband.

United are navigating choppy waters, and they need their captain to steady the ship. So, beware of a reaction. History in the Premier League shows that wounded giants are often at their most dangerous, and United arrive at Stamford Bridge seeking both redemption and a statement victory.

The danger when united

At the heart of Manchester United's attacking threat is their Portuguese playmaker. Even when the club is going through a difficult period, Fernandes has the individual quality, tactical intelligence and vision to unlock almost any defence in world football.

Operating in the space behind the forward line, he can hurt opponents with incisive through-balls, passes that split compact defences and shots from distance. For Chelsea's back line, giving Fernandes too much time and space to turn and pick his pass could prove costly.

Chelsea’s midfield balance will be crucial to nullifying this threat. If the Blues press recklessly or leave gaps between their defensive and midfield lines, Fernandes is exactly the type of player who will exploit them, using those pockets of space to launch quick transitions and bring Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha into the game.

Chelsea must remain disciplined, cut off the supply lines to United’s captain and be wary of the visitors’ desire to prove a point. If the Blues are to take all three points, they cannot afford to underestimate a fired-up Fernandes or a United side desperate to regain some momentum.

Furthermore, Manchester United enter high-stakes fixtures against top-four rivals with an intense desire to prove their critics wrong. Matchups between these two Premier League titans rarely follow current form guides, as collective pride and big-game temperament often dictate the outcome.

For both clubs, the possibilities are endless. The Blues could take advantage of the visitors' struggles and strengthen their own momentum, United could use the occasion to kick-start a revival, or a Chelsea defeat could pile even more pressure on Xabi Alonso.