Antonio Conte dropped David Luiz for Chelsea's 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday - a decision that raised a few eyebrows.

The Brazilian was forced to watch the action from the stands as Andreas Christensen took his place in the starting XI for one of Chelsea's biggest games of their domestic season.

Speaking after the game, the Blues manager insisted he was simply changing his team around after the 3-0 defeat to Roma.

"No, no. Tactical decision," explained Conte, speaking to Sky Sports. "There is Christensen in really good form and also we have [Ethan] Ampadu who is a good young player. The club like to play with the young player."

David Luiz was forced to watch the action from the stands (
Image:
Sky Sports)

Christensen did a great job of filling the void left behind by the Brazilian, and played the full ninety minutes against the Red Devils, keeping them at bay alongside Gary Cahill.

After the match, Conte discussed the Luiz situation once more, and claimed the defender has to now work hard to reclaim his place in the first team.

Antonio Conte claimed he dropped the centre-back for tactical reasons (
Image:
REUTERS)

"I don't know [if he has a future at Chelsea]," said Conte. "He has to work really hard with the others, otherwise they are on the bench or in the stand".

So what has happened between the duo? According to reports in the Times, Luiz had a bit of a falling out with his boss when he questioned his tactics in the week.

Andreas Christensen played in place of the Brazilian (
Image:
REUTERS)

It is alleged that the Brazilian centre-back was then forced to train by himself as punishment for speaking out before being dropped.

Gary Neville is just one of a number of pundits who has discussed the issue, and he believes it's one Conte needs to keep a lid on.

Conte's men took all three points from their match against Manchester United (
Image:
PA)

"Every manager who has taken on the players here has gone pretty quickly," said the former Man United defender on Sky Sports.

"It is a big call because if you take on these players in that dressing room, where David Luiz is a big influence, a big character, you can lose at this club. This is not the end of this - this is the start."

poll loading

Was Antonio Conte right to drop David Luiz?

4000+ VOTES SO FAR