Chelsea took a major stride to securing Champions League football next season after a Marc Cucurella goal secured a 1-0 win over Manchester United.
The visitors looked to have stunned Stamford Bridge in the first half but saw a Harry Maguire effort ruled out for offside.
Chelsea saw a penalty overturned in the second half and frustrations grew as Ruben Amorim‘s strong selection ahead of the Europa League final looked to pay off.
Enzo Maresca‘s side finally made the breakthrough in the 71st minute, as a smart turn and cross from Reece James found Cucurella to head the Blues in front.
The narrow victory keeps Chelsea in the Champions League places and they will secure a return to Europe’s elite club competition should they beat Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season.
Mail Sport’s AADAM PATEL was at Stamford Bridge and rates both sets of players.
Marc Cucurella scored the only goal as Chelsea earned a vital 1-0 win over Man United
Cucurella headed the Blues in front in the second half to boost their Champions League hopes
Man United remain 16th and suffered defeat in their final match before the Europa League final
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1):
Robert Sanchez (6)
Hardly showed any confidence with the ball at his feet. Didn’t need to make a save in the first half but he did keep out Amad’s effort – which was Man Utd’s only shot on target – in the second half.
Reece James (7.5)
Back in the starting eleven and nearly scored a belter when his first-half strike hit the post. Had a bit of an injury scare before half-time but carried on and then delivered a superb cross for the goal.
Tosin Adarabioyo (6.5)
Another Chelsea player back in the side and was impressive alongside Colwill as they kept a crucial clean sheet.
Levi Colwill (6.5)
Alongside Adarabioyo, ensured that Chelsea were solid defensively, with their high-line coming to the rescue for Harry Maguire’s disallowed goal.
Marc Cucurella (8)
Full of tenacity and battled well against Amad before scoring the crucial goal, with a header that most striker’s would be proud of. Has the ability to influence games and the Spaniard was it again.
Captain Reece James delivered a superb cross for Chelsea’s winning goal on the night
Enzo Fernandez has to do more all around in a Chelsea shirt and missed a sitter for the Blues
Moises Caicedo (7.5)
Such an impressive footballer and ran the game. United struggled to cope with his runs and he is growing into such a force in the middle of the park.
Enzo Fernandez (5.5)
Just has to do more all round. Missed a sitter and was only spared his blushes by the linesman raising the offside flag.
Pedro Neto (6)
Was decent in glimpses and caused problems down the right flank with his pace but lacked that clinical edge in the final third.
Cole Palmer (7)
Played a sumptuous ball to Noni Madueke in the first half that summed up his class. Was at the heart of most of Chelsea’s attacking play.
Noni Madueke (6)
Awful first-half miss when he should have scored or squared it to Tyrique George and missed another sitter in the second-half but he did cause United problems with his movement.
Tyrique George (5)
The 19-year-old made his first Premier League start with Nicolas Jackson suspended and in truth, he struggled with just six touches in the first-half. Replaced by Romeo Lavia in the 81st minute.
Cole Palmer played a sumptuous pass in the first half and was at the heart of attacking moves
Tyrique George made a first Premier League start for Chelsea but struggled to make an impact
Substitutes
Romeo Lavia (N/A)
Malo Gusto (N/A)
MANCHESTER UNITED (3-4-2-1):
Andre Onana (5.5)
Back in the side as one of five United changes. Had VAR to thank as he didn’t need to come out for the overturned penalty decision. Could do nothing to keep out Cucurella’s header.
Victor Lindelof (5.5)
Had a shaky start but grew into the game though he will be disappointed that United didn’t keep a clean sheet.
Harry Maguire (6)
Unlucky to be marginally offside when he finished wonderfully to score. Like Lindelof, put in a decent defensive shift but United were undone by a moment of quality.
Luke Shaw (5.5)
Can’t fault his effort and battled well as part of a back three but looks a shadow of the player he once was. Replaced by Ayden Heaven with nine minutes to go.
Luke Shaw battled as part of Man United’s back three but looks a shadow of the player he was
Mason Mount was booed on his return and missed a glorious chance to silence Chelsea fans
Noussair Mazraoui (5.5)
Full of energy though he struggled to link up with Amad down the right flank. And really should have done a better job at marking Cucurella in the build up to the goal.
Casemiro (5)
Failed to have a real say on the game and was booked before he was replaced by Manuel Ugarte with 20 minutes to go.
Mason Mount (5.5)
Booed every time he touched the ball and missed a glorious opportunity to silence the fans when he fired wide after the break. Taken off for Alejandro Garnacho in the 70th minute.
Patrick Dorgu (5)
Not his best performance and regularly failed to get his delivery right from the left flank. Has to do better.
Amad (7)
So exciting to watch and possesses such a threat when he has the ball but apart from forcing Robert Sanchez into making a comfortable save, didn’t test the Chelsea keeper enough.
Amad is exciting to watch and possesses such a threat when he has the ball for Man United
Rasmus Hojlund failed to do anything of note and will struggle to be first choice next season
Bruno Fernandes (6.5)
Remarkable that amongst all Premier League players, only Mohamed Salah has more goals and assists in all competitions. Played a superb ball to Maguire for the disallowed goal before he was booked. Taken off with nine minutes to go.
Rasmus Hojlund (4)
Yet another display where he struggled to keep the ball and do anything good of note. Lost possession repeatedly and it’s hard to see him as Amorim’s first choice striker next season.
Substitutes
Manuel Ugarte (6)
Alejandro Garnacho (6)
Kobbie Mainoo (N/A)
Ayden Heaven (N/A)
