Willian has admitted that Chelsea must produce another "great" performance if they are to close the gap on Manchester United in the Premier League.

The reigning champions head to Old Trafford on Sunday on the back of a good display against Barcelona in the Champions League, which ended with a tinge of disappointment as Lionel Messi cancelled out Willian's opener.

Chelsea, who trail United by three points in the Premier League, now turn attention back to domestic matters as they attempt to make it back-to-back wins in the top flight.

Willian, one of the stars of the show in the 1-1 draw with Barcelona, also hopes that the match against United will present an opportunity to get one over on former boss Jose Mourinho.

"He is my friend. I had a great time with him, but I am at Chelsea and he is now at Manchester United," he told reporters. "They are difficult games. It is totally different to play in the Premier League to the Champions League.

"I think we can stay at this level and we can go to Old Trafford on Sunday and play another great game. We have to play in a similar way. Against Manchester United, I think we can do a great job.

"Then against Manchester City [on March 4], it will be like the game against Barcelona - they like to have the ball. We have to stay compact and use the same plan as we used against Barcelona. We can win these games. We will go there to try to win."

Chelsea beat United 1-0 in the reverse fixture nearly four months ago thanks to an Alvaro Morata header.