Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is hopeful his side will have the measure of Manchester United this season now Cristiano Ronaldo is no longer at Old Trafford.
The Blues have had to play second fiddle to United in recent seasons, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s men winning three successive Premier League titles.

Chelsea are aiming to halt that run this campaign, and claim their first league trophy since 2005/06.

And Anelka believes the transfer of Ronaldo to Real Madrid, plus the departure of Tevez to Manchester City, could be just the boost United’s rivals need.

“United are still a strong team and Ferguson is a good manager who knows what to do, but I don’t think they’ll be as strong this season,” said the Frenchman.

“Ronaldo has gone, Tevez has gone, and maybe that will give us more of a chance to win this title and to be stronger than United.

“We have a strong squad this year and everyone is together, so we’ll have a better chance.

“It will be a tough title race. All the teams at the top are very strong, and even Manchester City have some good players.

“Because United have lost two big names, it gives everyone else – including ourselves – a big chance to win it. We will fight until the end and see.”