Chelsea will be ready for United next season, insists Mourinho

JOSE MOURINHO has promised Manchester United a guard of honour at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday – but pledged the new Premiership champions can expect a major battle to retain their crown next season.

Two years ago, Alex Ferguson famously ordered his players to applaud Chelsea onto the Old Trafford pitch following the Blues first title triumph under Mourinho.

And now, after Chelsea’s lingering hopes of a championship hat-trick died with a draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Mourinho confirmed the gesture will be reciprocated when Ferguson takes his team to Stamford Bridge this week.