Top 5 players who've played for both Chelsea and Manchester United

Chelsea welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge today in an exciting Premier League clash.

The Blues will look to go four points clear at the top and extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 11 games. Confidence is high in the camp, particularly after the 4-0 rout of Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday. So United can expect a tough game.

United are set to play their first league game without Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after he was given the boot following a humiliating loss at Watford last weekend.

Sitting ninth in the standing and trailing Chelsea by 12 points, The Red Devils have won just once in their last seven league games. They will be eager to return to winning ways after the 2-0 win at Villarreal in midweek.

Given their rich history in the league, the traditional rivals have had memorable clashes over the years. They've also had a few players who have played for both clubs.

On that note, here're the top five players who've played for both Chelsea and Manchester United:

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#5 Nemanja Matic

Matic joined United from Chelsea in 2017.

Following his emergence as one of the hottest properties in Serbian football, Nemanja Matic joined Chelsea in 2009 for a meagre £1.5 million. But a lack of first-team opportunities saw him go out on loan the following year.

After re-establishing himself at Benfica, the Serb returned to Stamford Bridge in January 2013. He quickly became a mainstay in their midfield, winning three titles over the next four and a half seasons.

Manchester United came calling for his services in 2017, and Matic was reunited with his former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

He has been a key player for them since then, but hasn't won a trophy with United yet.

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#4 Juan Mata

The Spaniard's 2012/13 season with Chelsea is still fondly remembered.

Signed from Valencia in August 2011, Juan Mata was an instant hit at Stamford Bridge. He made 14 assists in his first season to help Chelsea to the FA Cup and an unlikely Champions League triumph.

More success was to follow the next season when the Spaniard lifted the Europa League and was also named the PFA's Player of the Year. However, a fallout with then Chelsea manager Mourinho saw him jump ship to Manchester United in January 2014.

Since then, he has made 275 appearances for The Red Devils in all competitions.

He has won four titles, including the FA Cup in 2016 and the Europa League in 2017.

#3 Mark Hughes

Hughes is a United legend.

His managerial record might not be stellar, but former Chelsea and Manchester United player Mark Hughes was an absolute beast. He put the fear of God in the heart of opponents, with his ruthless scoring ability despite playing mainly as a midfielder.

During his illustrious playing career spanning 22 years, the former Welsh international represented both Chelsea and United. He enjoyed more success with the latter.

Across two different stints, Hughes made 473 appearances for The Red Devils, scoring 163 times and lifting 11 titles. That included two Premier League and three FA Cups.

At Chelsea, he lasted only three seasons, as he struggled to replicate his goalscoring form despite being a mainstay in their side and winning three trophies.

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#2 Radamel Falcao

The Colombian flopped at both Chelsea and United.

Radamel Falcao arrived at Manchester United in 2014 hoping to shrug off injury woes and breathe new life into his career. While he largely managed to keep himself fit after moving to the Premier League, he wasn't the same ruthless striker The Red Devils had hoped for.

He struck only four times during the 2014-15 season in 29 games, and the club opted against extending his loan spell. Chelsea then swooped in to offer the Colombian hitman another chance the next season, but Falcao failed to get going.

Falcao spent much of his time on the bench and returned to Monaco in 2016. There he rediscovered his mojo in a swashbuckling team that romped to the 2016-17 Ligue 1 title.

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#1 Romelu Lukaku

Lukaku is the latest player to play for both United and 'Chelsea.

Romelu Lukaku's Chelsea career initially failed to take off. He subsequently plied his trade with other English teams, including Manchester United, whom he joined in 2016.

He was unstoppable in his first season at United. But a combination of loss of form and lack of consistent game time under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ended his time at Old Trafford after 96 games and 42 goals.

Following two successful years at Inter Milan, the Belgian made a sensational return to Stamford Bridge in the summer. He is now a key cog in Thomas Tuchel's side.

Romelu Lukaku has struck thrice in the league from seven games this season. However, the numbers would have been much higher had he not missed the last couple of weeks with an injury.