MANCHESTER United defeated Chelsea 4-1 at Old Trafford tonight to guarantee their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The win propelled the Red Devils to third spot in the Premier League, but more importantly six points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool with one round of fixtures left, meaning United are guaranteed a top four finish.
Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford all scored to earn United the three points, with substitute Joao Felix netting a late consolation goal for the visitors.
The opening goal in the open game of numerous chances came in the sixth minute when Casemiro headed home from Christian Eriksen’s free-kick.
It was the Brazil midfielder’s second goal against Chelsea this season, as he netted the late equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge in the reverse fixture.
Chelsea responded well to going behind and dominated against the hosts, creating several opportunities but not finishing them off.
United punished Chelsea’s profligacy in the fifth minute of first-half added time as Martial tapped home after good work from Casemiro and Jadon Sancho.
Fernandes converted from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute to make it 3-0 after he had been brought down by Wesley Fofana in Chelsea’s box.
Rashford, who replaced the injured Antony in the first half, put some gloss on United’s win, profiting from a mix-up in the Chelsea defence to score his 30th goal of the season in all competitions.
Felix pulled one back for Chelsea one minute before full-time with a low shot from distance as the Blues stayed in 12th spot.
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