Manchester United secured their qualification for the upcoming Champions League after a resounding 4-1 victory over a struggling Chelsea team on Thursday. The Red Devils put up a spirited performance, with goals from Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes, and Marcus Rashford.
Despite spending over £500 million in the transfer market, Chelsea have had a miserable season with their loss to United marking their eighth in ten games since Frank Lampard returned as interim manager. On the other hand, United’s confirmation of a top-four finish caps off a successful first season under Erik ten Hag’s leadership after their six-year trophy drought ended with their League Cup victory in February.
They could add more silverware next month, should they halt Manchester City’s charge towards the treble in the FA Cup final. A return to Europe’s elite competition next season was one of Ten Hag’s primary goals when he took over the club.
Casemiro, who arrived from Real Madrid, played a fundamental role in the club’s revival. The 31-year-old’s class and experience shone through in the match against Chelsea, punishing the Blues for their lack of efficiency in both boxes.
Chances were created at both ends of the pitch, with Mykhailo Mudryk missing an opportunity to net his first Chelsea goal. The visitors trailed barely 60 seconds later as Casemiro capitalised on a free header from Christian Eriksen’s free-kick.
Antony limped off with an ankle injury, making him a major doubt for the FA Cup final in ten days’ time. However, the home side ended the game when Casemiro’s no-look pass opened up Chelsea’s defence for Jadon Sancho to square for Martial.
Ten Hag’s men could have scored more goals in the second half, but Fernandez’s penalty after being brought down by Wesley Fofana and Rashford’s 30th goal of the season after a loose pass from Fofana and some terrible defending from Chelsea was enough to seal the game.
Joao Felix, who Chelsea splurged £10 million on for just a few months in January, contributed a late consolation goal with a surging run and low finish, denying David De Gea his 18th clean sheet of the season.
In summary, Manchester United’s 4-1 win over Chelsea earned them a place in the Champions League next season, while Chelsea’s poor form this season continued, despite their £500 million expenditure on transfers.
