Chelsea v Man United,
KO 4pm Sunday

ANTONIO CONTE praised predecessor Jose Mourinho’s impact at Chelsea yesterday, ahead of the self-proclaimed Special One’s return on Sunday with Manchester United.

Mourinho won his third Premier League title with Chelsea in May 2015 before his second spell came to an end seven months later, with the Blues near the relegation zone.

The Portuguese United boss won two league titles in his first spell at Stamford Bridge between June 2004 and September 2007 before returning in June 2013.

“I have great respect for him,” said Chelsea head coach Conte, who was appointed Mourinho’s permanent successor in April and began his job in July.

“He won three championships and I think he was an important man for the club.

“I think he deserves a good reception, because he wrote with the club, with his players, with the staff, part of the story of this club.

“When you win three championships, you remain in the heart of the fans. It’s normal.

“After the whistle, he becomes like the other players of Manchester United an enemy, in the sporting aspect.”

Conte last week laughed off suggestions he was facing the sack before guiding Chelsea to a 3-0 defeat of Premier League champions Leicester.

Manchester United have since played twice — a goalless draw at Liverpool on Monday, when Mourinho’s defensive tactics were criticised by some commentators, and in Thursday night’s Europa League win over Fenerbahce.

Conte has fielded three central defenders in the past two games, without conceding a goal. The Italian believes his players are improving in the formation and suggested he was likely to stick with it against United.

Cesc Fabregas and Branislav Ivanovic remain out with minor muscular injuries, while Conte is still to decide whether or not to field Willian and Oscar, who missed the Leicester match on compassionate leave following family bereavements.

Captain John Terry was an unused substitute against Leicester and is in contention to feature again after another full week of training.

Conte will be reunited with midfielder Paul Pogba, with whom he worked at Juventus after signing him from United.