Ruben Amorim's side slunk to their 18th Premier League defeat of the season with an abject performance at Stamford Bridge
Manchester United's nightmare Premier League season continued as they were beaten by Chelsea in their final away game of the campaign and the only positive is that the league season, their worst since being relegated 51 years ago, is almost over.
Ruben Amorim put out a strong team given his side have a crucial Europa League final next week as he looked for a big response to his angry comments following Sunday's defeat at home to West Ham. But his words apparently fell on deaf ears as United barely created any memorable chances and were undone by a moment of brilliance from Reece James, who set up Marc Cucurella to head in the crucial goal in the 71st minute.
Harry Maguire showed the prowess of a striker to find the net early in the game from a Fernandes cross but the goal was ruled out by VAR for a toe-nail offside. James had the best actual effort of a forgettable first half, crashing the post with a sizzling and swerving strike with the outside of his boot.
Chelsea – who needed to win to keep their push for Champions League football next season in their own hands – had a penalty awarded then taken away in the second half but they showed more desire to win the game and did so thanks to a fantastic move between their two full-backs.
United now have five days to lift their spirits for their do-or-die final against Tottenham, their only opportunity to come out of this harrowing season with a shred of dignity.
GOAL rates Man United's players from Stamford Bridge…
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Andre Onana (5/10):
Wasn't really tested aside from the goal James' scorching effort, neither of which he could get near to. Kicking was hurried and inaccurate and had a scare when Tyrique George went over from his challenge and was initially given a penalty before the referee and VAR saw sense.
Victor Lindelof (6/10):
Looked solid for most of the game, which is good news following his shaky cameo against West Ham. Not to blame for the goal as he was marking Palmer.
Harry Maguire (7/10):
Another strong performance at the heart of the defence, anticipating the danger easily and moving the ball around well.
Luke Shaw (6/10):
A decent display to get him sharp for Bilbao and most importantly he came through it unscathed.
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Noussair Mazraoui (5/10):
Gave a good showing in the first half but crucially he lost Cucurella for the goal.
Casemiro (7/10):
Had a good battle with Caicedo and limited how much damage Chelsea could do through the middle. It says a lot that the breakthrough came just after he had come off.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Controlled United's play in the first half although his influence faded as the game went on.
Patrick Dorgu (5/10):
Didn't get forward enough and James' performance down his flank put him to shame.
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Mason Mount (5/10):
Had United's only effort of the first half but didn't have much impact against his boyhood club, whose fans booed him throughout.
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):
A new game, the same anonymous performance. The most notable thing he did was asked to remove an item of jewellery early in the second half.
Amad Diallo (6/10):
Had a slow first half but looked like United's only dangerous attacking outlet as the game progressed. Fired a powerful effort at Sanchez.
Subs & Manager
Alejandro Garnacho (4/10):
Outfoxed by James' trickery, earning him a telling off from Fernandes and Maguire. Did very little in the final third.
Manuel Ugarte (5/10):
A downgrade on Casemiro. Booked in the 90th minute for fouling Cucurella.
Kobbie Mainoo (N/A):
Came on in the 81st minute. Didn't do much to compel Amorim to start him against Tottenham.
Ayden Heaven (N/A):
Good to see him back for the first time in two months. Cool and casual, so much that he lost the ball in his box and then fouled Malo Gusto to win it back, earning a booking.
Ruben Amorim (4/10):
Played a strong team which was risky so soon before the final. Didn't appear to get any injuries but there was no real uplift in his side's performance, which will concern him after his tirade following the defeat by West Ham.
