Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has identified his side's early clash against Manchester United next season as a key moment to "intimidate" them in their Premier League campaign.

The Blues face United on August 26, just days after playing their second game of the season against Aston Villa, which was moved due to Jose Mourinho's side's commitment in the European Super Cup.

Ivanovic told reporters: "We go to United very early and one of the important things with that game is we will see how we can play the season. It's not just about that game, or the three points, it will be very important mentally for us and our confidence.

"Of course, if we win, we can intimidate them. This can be psychologically a very difficult game and if we can go there and win it would be massive for us, have a huge effect on our confidence and make things feel different.

"But, even if we lose, we mustn't feel we need to change a lot of things in our heads. The season is long."

Chelsea are currently on their pre-season tour of Asia.