Manchester United's squad is as strong as Chelsea's but Old Trafford has lost its fear factor, says Danny Murphy

In recent seasons, visiting teams have shown far more confidence against Manchester United at Old Trafford than during Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign. They arrive at the ground and think, "Bournemouth have got a point here this season, so have Burnley. Why can’t we?"

What a contrast from years ago, when most teams would go there already beaten.

There would be a fear factor, meaning players went on the pitch clinging to a tiny bit of hope that things would somehow go well. Chelsea will be far more optimistic about their prospects on Sunday.

During the best days of the Ferguson teams, United didn’t fear anyone at Old Trafford or play with any caution.

They would set out to run all over you. Now, they often treat teams with respect by playing more conservatively. That tells you everything about where United were then and where they are now.

Back then, they were the best team, the main boys, usually the reigning champions, playing at the biggest ground in the country that was packed to the rafters.

It was high pressure and the first couple of times you go, the sheer size of the place is intimidating.

Let me make one thing clear, though: it was the United players, rather than the home fans, who made it such a daunting venue. Even when I went there as a Liverpool player, the home fans were nothing like as hostile as at a place like Goodison Park.

The fans seem further from the pitch and because there are so many of them, the hard-core support is spread over different parts of the ground, whereas at Goodison, you tended to get those fans in one section.

Clubs like United and Liverpool also have more supporters from outside the local area, which also contributes to the atmosphere at their home matches.

I can see signs of improvement from United, though, frustrating as the season has been at times for them. Their squad, along with Chelsea’s, is the best in the league. You could look at the table, see them in fifth and say they’ve underachieved.

But if Jose Mourinho adds the Europa League to the EFL Cup, he will end the season with two trophies and a place in the Champions league. That’s not bad for a first season at a new club.

Chelsea will certainly be competing in Europe’s top competition next season and, from what I have seen of the Champions League this term, they will challenge for the trophy next season. Their best XI could compete with any of the sides I have seen this year.

Mourinho will, of course, want to get one over on them — but I’m sure he will make sure that extra edge doesn’t transfer to his team in a negative way.

Tactically, Mourinho is very clever, and he knows just how dangerous Chelsea can be if you give their attackers space.