Chelsea 1–0 Manchester United: Cucurella Header Seals Win as Blues Close in on Champions League Spot

Marc Cucurella celebrates after scoring winner vs Manchester United

A Grim Night for United, a Golden Chance for Chelsea

Manchester United’s dreadful season went from bad to worse as they lost 1–0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Ruben Amorim’s side suffered their 18th defeat of the season against Enzo Maresca’s men and are now without a win in their last nine Premier League games. Despite having the Europa League final in a week’s time, United put out a strong XI. Mason Mount was given a start against his boyhood club. With Champions League qualification on the line, Chelsea also put out their strongest possible XI, with 19-year-old academy starlet Tyrique George being handed a start.

Big Moments in a Flat First Half

VAR drama as Harry Maguire’s goal is ruled out and Onana avoids conceding a penalty

The game in general was quite a forgettable one, but there were some huge moments throughout. Harry Maguire had the ball in the Chelsea net in the 16th minute of what was a rather poor game of football in the first half, with neither team showing real quality. Despite Maguire taking the finish like a centre-forward, it was then ruled out for offside.

Chelsea were awarded a penalty in the 61st minute, after it looked like Tyrique George was brought down by Andre Onana. However, a VAR review showed that the United goalkeeper had gotten the ball first, and George went down easily. The penalty decision was subsequently overturned. That was one of the rare involvements for the promising academy youngster, as he struggled to get involved in the game and only managed 14 touches throughout.

Reece James and Cucurella Combine for the Winner

Reece James provided the moment of magic, setting up Cucurella’s decisive goal

It took until the 71st minute of the game to see the first piece of real quality. Reece James, who was unlucky earlier in the game as he struck a half-volley from 20 yards that hit the post, received the ball on the edge of the box. He pirouetted away from Alejandro Garnacho and clipped in a delicious cross to his other full-back, Marc Cucurella, who was on hand to head Chelsea into the lead. That was Cucurella’s fifth goal of the Premier League season — his best ever goalscoring campaign.

What It Means for Both Clubs

What does this result mean for the two sides? United are now one game closer to ending their worst season in 51 years. With 18 defeats in the Premier League so far this campaign, United are on 39 points in 16th place with only one game of the season remaining.

It is incredible that a club so big has found itself in this predicament. Does this give Ruben Amorim any selection dilemmas going into that Europa League final game?

As for Chelsea, the result means that they leave Champions League qualification within their own hands. The Blues know that a win against Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season will guarantee them a spot in Europe’s biggest competition. Will they be able to beat Nuno Espírito Santo’s team, or will they crumble at the final hurdle?