Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says that last season remains in the minds of his players

Mourinho won his third Premier League title with Chelsea in May 2015 before his second spell came to an end seven months later, with the Blues perilously close to the relegation zone.

Since then the Portuguese, who won two league titles in his first spell between June 2004 and September 2007 before returning in June 2013, has been appointed Manchester United manager and he will manage in opposition at Stamford Bridge.

Italian head coach Conte, who was appointed Mourinho's permanent successor in April and began his job in July, spoke of his respect for Mourinho and his achievements at Chelsea.

He also mentioned the lasting damage of last season.

Conte said: "When there are these types of season - very bad, because we finished 10th in the table - it's normal that something remains in the players. In their minds. In their heads.

"It won't be easy to cancel a bad season like last season."

Conte says he has not spoken to his players about Mourinho in the lead-up to their reunion with the man who in 2005 delivered Chelsea's first title in 50 years.

"I didn't talk with my players about Jose Mourinho," Conte added.

"For us, what is important is Manchester United and playing against a team, not against Jose Mourinho."

Some Chelsea supporters railed against their own players after the departure of the popular Mourinho.

But Conte does not believe those individuals have a point to prove to Mourinho.

"I don't think that," he said.

"When you have a lot of time with a man and you won a lot with him, you love this man. You love this person for the relationship that you were able to create in this time.

"I think the players want to win, but have great respect for him."

One of players blamed was Diego Costa, after an alarming goalscoring slump which followed his prolific streak in helping Chelsea to the 2014-15 title.

Costa is known for his abrasive approach, but Conte will not try to guard against United trying to provoke the striker, who has scored seven goals this season.

"It's useless to speak with Diego about this situation," Conte said.