Andy Walker has claimed that Antonio Conte’s criticism of Manchester United’s targeting of Eden Hazard is something that Jose Mourinho used to do during his spell in charge of Chelsea.

The Portuguese coach was often critical of opponents hurting the Chelsea forward during his second spell in charge of the west London side as Hazard proved a pivotal figure for Mourinho.

Hazard scored 14 goals in 38 games in the Premier League in the 2015-16 season, before the Belgium international struggled badly during Mourinho’s third campaign in charge before his axing.

The 26-year-old has rediscovered his best form under Conte this season after a return of 11 goals and four assists in 26 games in the Premier League in the 2016-17 season.

Mourinho’s Manchester United side appeared to target Hazard during the first half of their FA Cup quarter-final on Monday night, and Ander Herrera was sent off for a second bookable offence on the Chelsea forward.

Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ about Conte’s claims that teams are looking to hurt Hazard, former Scotland striker Walker said:

“What Conte was saying was just an echo of what Jose Mourinho was saying a couple of years ago, that he feared for the future of Eden Hazard because, when he was the Chelsea manager, everyone was targeting Hazard,” said Walker.

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