Jose Mourinho signed Pedro, but it's Antonio Conte reaping the rewards of his brilliant performances at Chelsea while Manchester United struggle to get the best out of Anthony Martial 

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A year ago, Manchester United felt they'd dodged a bullet by signing Anthony Martial while Chelsea were stuck with Pedro. Not any more.

Martial can't get in the United team while Pedro, signed by Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, is excelling under Antonio Conte.

The former Barcelona and Spain World Cup winner has been clocking up goals and assists in Conte's 3-4-3, keeping the popular Brazilian Willian out of the team.

Pedro celebrates his goal in Chelsea's 2-1 win over Tottenham on Saturday

The Spaniard levelled things up against Spurs before Victor Moses scored the winner

'He's playing well and deserves to play,' says Conte. 'He scores goals but also works a lot for the team. That's what I want to see.'

Pedro, 29, has scored three and made five in Chelsea's surge to the top of the table. His spectacular right-footed curler against Tottenham on Saturday evening sparked one of those come-from-behind victories that champions are made of.

The biggest surprise is perhaps that anyone is surprised. A glance at Pedro's glittering CV suggest a top level performer even if he's been helped by having stellar names like Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets around him.

He won five La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues with Barca and only Messi was involved in more goals for the club during that period. In the 2010 World Cup Final, he started in Spain's all-star side ahead of David Silva, Juan Mata and Cesc Fabregas.

Pedro's high work rate has not gone unnoticed by Chelsea boss Antonio Conte

He managed just two goals in his first season at Chelsea but has three already this term

Antonio Conte has utilised Pedro as part of his attacking three in place of fan favourite Willian

Yet 2015 was a watershed year. No longer able to force his way into Barca's attack featuring Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez, he moved to the Premier League though there were doubts he'd be able to cope physically despite his obvious attacking talent.

United had a good look but he ended up at Chelsea. Either Mourinho gazzumped United at the last minute or United turned their attentions to Martial, depending on who you believe.

Last season, it seemed United undoubtedly got the better deal. Chelsea's team were in turmoil and Pedro struggled to make an impact. After netting on his debut at West Brom his only other goal in 16 appearances was in a Capital One Cup tie at Walsall. He was inconsistent and his versatility was a hindrance rather than a help, nobody could see his best position.

The winger enjoyed a glittering career with Barcelona before his move to London last year

Pedro found his game time limited following the arrival of Luis Saurez at the Nou Camp

The 29-year-old won five league titles and three Champions Leagues with Barcelona

Conte's new system has changed everything. While Eden Hazard and Victor Moses have been regularly named as chief beneficiaries, Pedro has also blossomed as the right-sided prong of their three-man attack.

Like Hazard, he is now able to concentrate on his strengths; passing, running at the opposition and getting into positions to create or score goals.

A particular highlight came on October 23 when he took only 30 seconds to remind United what they had missed out on. Ever-alert while Chris Smalling hesitated, he latched onto a Marcos Alonso pass and rounded David de Gea to score before some supporters had taken their seats. It set the tone for a 4-0 United victory and was a symbol of the intensity at Conte's Chelsea.

Pedro (centre) also starred for Spain ahead of Cesc Fabregas (left) during Euro 2012

Given his naturally introverted and humble personality, it's often been in Pedro's interests to quietly get on with his own job and let others take the glory.

But there is no doubt a regular run in the Chelsea team has helped restore his confidence after being viewed as a bit-part player in the latter stages of his Nou Camp career. 'I want to feel important again,' he said on his arrival at Stamford Bridge. 

And he is, justifying his £21million price tag this season after a family bereavement meant Willian had to return to Brazil and Pedro was given the chance to take his place. 

His Chelsea team-mates are under no illusions how important Pedro has been to their seven-match winning run even if Diego Costa and Eden Hazard are bigger public figures.

'Unbelievable goal by Pedro', said Terry in a social media message to mark the win against Spurs – the only player specifically mentioned by the Chelsea club captain.

Gary Cahill added in his post-match comments. 'It was a touch of class to whip it into the top corner. That is the sort of player he is, one to change games.'

Manchester United opted to splash in excess of £36m to sign Anthony Martial instead of Pedro, but his performances so far this season have been underwhelming

Jose Mourinho signed Pedro for Chelsea before leaving the club and now has to try and get the best out of Martial at Manchester United

Pedro was at his peak around 2012 when he was a regular at Barcelona and won the European Championship with Spain.

Since then consistency has been a problem but at the moment he's performing to a high level every week, creating space for Hazard and Costa with quick and direct running, and getting himself into scoring positions.

Two hundred miles away at Old Trafford, Mourinho will add it to his list of grumbles. He put the work in to sign Pedro, now another manager is feeling the benefit.