Manchester United seal Champions League return with 4-1 rout of Chelsea
Manchester United secured their place in next season’s Champions League after a resounding 4-1 victory over Chelsea.
The win ensured United’s top-four finish in the Premier League and dashed Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for the prestigious tournament. Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes, and Marcus Rashford were the goal scorers for United.
In the match, Casemiro opened the scoring with a close-range header in the sixth minute, followed by Martial’s goal just before halftime. Fernandes extended the lead with a penalty in the 73rd minute, and Rashford returned from injury to notch his 30th goal of the season. Joao Felix scored a consolation goal for Chelsea in the 89th minute.
The only downside for United was the injury suffered by Antony, who was carried off on a stretcher. The extent of his injury is yet to be determined.
United manager Erik ten Hag expressed his delight at the achievement, emphasising that the club belongs in the Champions League. United, who failed to qualify last season, currently sit third in the Premier League table with 72 points, six points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool.
“It’s important, this club belongs in the Champions League,” manager Ten Hag told Sky Sports. “But it’s not easy in the Premier League, it’s a tough competition, so it’s a massive performance when you get this done.”
Newcastle United also secured a place in Europe’s top club competition, finishing fourth following a goalless draw against Leicester City. Meanwhile, Chelsea, who have struggled throughout the season, find themselves in 12th place with 43 points.
Manchester United, having already won the Carabao Cup in February, aim to complete a domestic double when they face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on June 3. Reflecting on the season, Bruno Fernandes described it as “decent” and praised the team’s achievements, highlighting their goal of securing a top-four finish after realising the Premier League title was out of reach.
The victory against Chelsea marked United’s 17th consecutive unbeaten Premier League home game at Old Trafford this season. Fernandes acknowledged the importance of the home supporters and expressed gratitude for their unwavering support.
“(The season has been) decent, it’s not perfect because we want more,” Fernandes said. “But for what we did this season, I think it’s great. “Won one trophy, we get to the top four, that was our goal after we saw we couldn’t go for the Premier League (title). Now it’s about finish the league well and go to the FA Cup and win.”