Chelsea stayed composed under pressure to strengthen their push for Champions League qualification, clinching a 1-0 victory over Manchester United thanks to a second-half header from Marc Cucurella, lifting them to fourth in the Premier League table.
The stakes were high following Aston Villa’s earlier win over Tottenham, which could have seen them leapfrog Chelsea had Enzo Maresca’s side failed to win. But after a nervy first half, captain Reece James produced a moment of quality, turning sharply and delivering a pinpoint cross for Cucurella to nod home the decisive goal.
Despite Ruben Amorim naming a strong Manchester United lineup ahead of their Europa League final, Chelsea faced real pressure to deliver. United, languishing in 16th and now winless in eight straight league matches, would have piled scrutiny on Chelsea had they managed even a draw.
The win ensures Chelsea will remain in the top five heading into their final match of the season away at Nottingham Forest on May 25. A victory there will confirm their return to the Champions League after a two-year absence.
For Manchester United, the defeat marks their 18th in the league this season. Still short of the 40-point mark typically seen as the benchmark for survival, their final league game against Aston Villa offers little solace. Their season now hinges on Wednesday’s Europa League final against Tottenham.
