Manchester United enjoyed a 4-1 victory against one-time title rivals Chelsea at Old Trafford yesterday evening.
In an entertaining encounter, Erik ten Hag's side created multiple opportunities against their visitors, ultimately securing Champions League football for next season.
BIG. THREE. POINTS. ✅#MUFC || #MUNCHE
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 25, 2023
Chelsea would have left Manchester wondering what could have been. Frank Lampard fielded the Blue's youngest-ever starting XI in their Premier League history (23 years and 238 days), and the lack of cutting-edge in the box was telling.
An early Mykhailo Mudryk miss began a pattern on the night for Lampard's side, as they fell to a club-record 16th defeat in a 38-match Premier League season.
Moments after that miss, United opened the scoring through Brazilian midfielder Casemiro. A sixth-minute header guided home from a Christian Eriksen free-kick.
The Londoners would see several other opportunities squandered, with Conor Gallagher missing the pick of the bunch before half-time. As with the night's opening goal, they were immediately punished when Anthony Martial finished off a fine transitional move by the hosts.
🔊 "WE'RE ON THE MARCH WITH TEN HAG'S ARMY!" 🔊
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 25, 2023
The second half saw the home side enter a ruthless streak, with their expected goals tally increasing by the minute.
The excellent Bruno Fernandes would win and score a penalty to make it three on the night. Before substitute, Marcus Rashford’s goal – his 30th of the season in all competitions – wrapped up an easy night for the 20-time winners.
In hitting his 30th of the season, Rashford became the first United player to do so since Robin van Persie in 2012-13.
Chelsea eventually got a goal for their efforts. Substitute Joao Felix's solo effort was a mere consolation, but its beauty should not be ignored.
UNITED. pic.twitter.com/fQmEKpmK6h
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 25, 2023
United climbed above Newcastle into third place with a solitary fixture remaining, while Chelsea sits in 12th place, only three points above West Ham in 14th position.
For Erik ten Hag, a debut season has supplied silverware and a return to Elite European football, with one eye on an FA Cup final meeting with rival Manchester City in two weeks.
While for Lampard, hopes that his young side will grow into a Chelsea of old as they await the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino in the Summer.
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