Frank Sinclair has warned Chelsea against thinking about giving the Europa League increased importance due to the route it provides to the Champions League, arguing Manchester United gambled big time by doing so.
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho made sure he treated the Europa League seriously as he eyed it as a path back into the Champions League.
And his formula paid off as the Red Devils lifted the Europa League trophy in 2017 and secured a spot back in the Champions League.
Chelsea won their opening Europa League group stage game, away at PAOK, last week and Sinclair is keen for Blues boss Maurizio Sarri not to treat the competition with increased importance at the moment.
Sinclair said on Chelsea TV: "I thought Man United took a massive gamble on winning the Europa League in the year they got back into the Champions League.
"They were nowhere near it in the league and I don't think you can afford to do that.
“You've sort of got to weigh up the situation and be half and half.
"Let's be honest, we didn't expect to start the league campaign as well as we have done before of the new incomings and the new manager.
"We've hit the ground running in the league, so I think, keep that momentum going."
Chelsea currently sit in third place in the Premier League standings, two points off leaders Liverpool, after taking 16 points from their opening six games.
Sarri's side face a big test of their title credentials next Saturday when they play host to a rampant Liverpool outfit.
