Former Barcelona and Ajax star Frank de Boer says he expects Chelsea to go very far under Maurizio Sarri this season.

De Boer made the comments when discussing the differences between the Blues and Manchester United so far this term.

Chelsea remain unbeaten in all competitions having won seven of of their nine games, making a fine start under new boss Sarri, who joined from Napoli in the summer.

United however have lost four times already, including twice in the last week against both Derby County and West Ham United, and a number of the club’s key players – notably Paul Pogba – have endured an increasing fractious relationship with manager Jose Mourinho.

And De Boer believes it is the respective managers who can be accredited for the two club’s contrasting starts to the campaign.

“Yeah that’s true (Sarri has changed the style quickly),” De Boer said on Sky Sports.

“They really like to enjoy the game. That’s maybe the difference between Manchester United and Chelsea.

“For me they are one of the favourites to go very far this season.”

One Chelsea man who has enjoyed an especially fine start to the new season is Eden Hazard. The Belgian superstar has managed seven goals and two assists already – form that De Boer has been seriously impressed with so far.

“He’s continuing his from from last season and also the World Cup of course,” he added of Hazard.

“I love to watch him, he’s a player you come to the stadium to watch. Unbelievable skill, speed, technique and he can score goals.

“I think this is the Hazard that you want to see.”