Manchester United are showing Chelsea where they have gone wrong under Todd Boehly

After Manchester United and Chelsea had finished 16 points apart at the end of last season, few would have anticipated an even bigger gap forming between the two of them this time around.

But while it was United's turn to slide down the Premier League table last season, it has been Chelsea's turn to tumble at an alarming rate this term. The two sides head into tonight's meeting at Old Trafford separated by a whopping 26 points in the standings, highlighting the stark differences between each club's respective trajectories this season.

United were a sinking ship 12 months ago, in desperate need of being rescued and placed into steady hands. Despite the ongoing criticism of the Glazers and relentless calls for them to pack their bags and sell up, the Reds fell on their feet appointing Erik ten Hag.

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The Dutchman, who was a popular choice among the fans prior to his appointment, has done a terrific job in his maiden season at Old Trafford, so much so that the club is just one point away from securing a top-four berth and clinching Champions League qualification for next term. Ten Hag, despite the uncertainty that has been rumbling on in the background since November, has turned out to be the disciplinarian the club had been crying out for since Sir Alex Ferguson called it a day exactly a decade ago.

Though he has already helped United end their trophy drought this season, clinching a top-four spot and a route back into the Champions League would be his biggest achievement to date. It was always a main objective for the club this season, but it hasn't been easy.

The Dutchman has had to overcome a series of challenges and obstacles along the way, including