Manchester United have secured their place in the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League after a remarkable 4-1 victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford on Thursday, May 25. In a crucial match for Erik ten Hag's team, they needed just a point to confirm a top-four finish. Their star player, Casemiro, calmed the early nerves by scoring a goal with a free header in the sixth minute, adding to his impressive tally of four league goals this season.
Despite Chelsea fielding their youngest-ever average starting XI in Premier League history, they had several significant moments in the first half. However, their persistent lack of accuracy, which has plagued their season, was evident once again, with Mykhailo Mudryk, Kai Havertz, and Conor Gallagher missing crucial opportunities.
Casemiro played a pivotal role in setting up another goal, this time for Anthony Martial, and inspired Manchester United to a memorable thrashing of Chelsea. Bruno Fernandes sealed the victory with a penalty, while Marcus Rashford added a late strike, marking his 30th goal of the season. It was only in the 89th minute that Joao Felix managed to spoil David De Gea's clean sheet with a low drive.
With this impressive win, the Red Devils climbed to the third position in the Premier League standings, placing them two points ahead of fourth-placed Newcastle United. Additionally, this result effectively dashed the slim hopes of fifth-placed Liverpool in their quest to secure a top-four finish.
As for Chelsea, their defeat against Manchester United placed them at the 12th position in the Premier League table. To compound their disappointing season, they set a new club record with their 16th defeat in a 38-game Premier League season and finished in the bottom half of the top-flight for the first time in 27 years.
Manchester United will conclude their league campaign with a home match against Fulham on Sunday afternoon, while Chelsea will host Newcastle United.
