Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic believes they can make a statement with victory over Manchester United early this new season.

Ivanovic believes Chelsea's match at Manchester United next month offers the opportunity to inflict a damaging psychological blow in the Barclays Premier League title race.

"It's very important for us psychologically to start the season well," said Ivanovic in Jakarta today, ahead of tomorrow's final match of the Blues' Asia tour.

"I think it can give us extra confidence and after that we can play game by game.

"The season is very long. We have to be ready for every challenge."