After defeating Chelsea 4-1 in the make-up match of round 32, Man Utd rose to third place and won the last Champions League spot of the Premier League this season, after Man City, Arsenal, and Newcastle.
Casemiro celebrates after opening the score for Man Utd. Photo: Reuters
Coach Erik ten Hag kept the same starting line-up as last weekend's 1-0 win over Bournemouth. Marcus Rashford returned from injury, but was only on the bench. Chelsea made three changes from the 1-0 defeat to Man City, with Carney Chukwuemeka, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke given their chances.
The visitors started the game better and created two scoring chances in quick succession in the opening minutes. Chukwuemeka shot over the bar after a pass from his team-mate before Mudryk unfortunately missed the ball after a cross from Lewis Hall. However, from a free kick from the left wing by Christian Eriksen, Casemiro headed home the opener for Man Utd.
Excited after the lead, Man Utd almost doubled the gap when Antony made a left-footed shot that went wide of the post. But not long after, the Brazilian striker suffered an ankle injury after a tackle by Trevoh Chalobah and was forced to leave the field early. Rashford was welcomed by the Old Trafford fans when he came on as a substitute.
Chelsea squandered a chance to equalise. Kai Havertz was well positioned to meet Hall's cross but his header was off target. Minutes later, Conor Gallagher's shot from inside the box went just wide.
Six minutes of added time were added to the first half due to Antony's injury. During this time, Man Utd doubled their lead. Casemiro continued to shine with a through ball for Jadon Sancho to beat the offside trap and then cross for Anthony Martial to tap into an empty net.
* Continued update
Quang Huy
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