Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United result - Matheus Cunha nets winner as Red Devils boost UEFA Champions League hopes and leave Chelsea’s in real danger

Matheus Cunha was on target as Manchester United took a big step towards UEFA Champions League qualification with a 1-0 win at Chelsea that leaves Liam Rosenior’s hopes of a top-five finish in serious jeopardy.

The Blues edged a lively first half with Estevao hitting the post and Enzo Fernandez going close to breaking the deadlock.

However, United snatched the lead on 43 minutes when Cunha lashed home a first-time strike from Bruno Fernandes’ 18th league assist of the season.

Chelsea continued to pose the greater threat following the restart, but Liam Delap’s header hit the crossbar while Noussair Mazraoui inadvertently nodded against the frame of his own goal.

Moises Caicedo fizzed wide late in the day, but a make-shift visiting defence held on to register an excellent victory.

The result keeps United in third and moves them 10 points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea with just five games remaining.

The Blues are still four points adrift of fifth-placed Liverpool, who could pull seven points clear of Chelsea when Arne Slot’s Reds play their game in hand away to Everton on Sunday.

Next up, Chelsea visit Brighton on Tuesday evening while United aren’t in action until they host Brentford a week on Monday. 

Owen Hargreaves: "Bruno Fernandes, he’ll be up for Player of the Year this season, he just creates big moments. He was the architect today, best player on the pitch by a mile and obviously with Cunha finishing up, it feels like Champions League football is coming back to Manchester United."

Joe Cole: "That man Michael Carrick what a job he’s done. Eyebrows were raised when he came in the door, eyebrows were raised when he came in the door, a little blip of losing to Leeds, questions were asked.

"His team dug in for him tonight, they looked resolute, strong, he missed his two centre-halves, they’ve done it tonight and Michael deserves all the credit he’s going to get, it’s a massive achievement.

"A club, probably 12 months ago looked like it was all at sea and he’s come in alongside his coaching staff and done an exceptional job."

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Bruno Fernandes: ”It’s an amazing feeling for us, we had to bounce back, it’s not just about Leeds that was two games we didn’t win so we knew that we had to make a great performance today because Chelsea is a very good side. It was very important for us, our aim is to get close to top four, they are the closest one to top five, it’s perfect for us and that’s what we need."

On the fans: ”They were amazing, already in the warm up I felt they were on. Every away ground we go [to], we feel at home and today was no different.”

Do you set individual records? "I say every time that I want to do better than the season before. I want to improve my game overall. Not assists, not goals but overall, everything and I need to improve every week because I want to become a better player and end my career as the best as possible."

On the defence: "Great performance, everyone. Ayden, amazing again, young kid, the guys in front put a shift in, Cas and Kobbie today were amazing, and vital for us to get the win today."

Close to UCL: "I feel three points closer, now we have another game we have to win. We know we need points to get that palace secured and we’re going to be doing everything possible."

”Oh, you’ve no idea (how big a three points that is for United).

”It was interesting to see how they would get over the disappointment of the Leeds game, and boy have they.

”I mentioned earlier, I thought it was a very controlled performance by Manchester United.

”Yes, Chelsea in patches played well without really threatening the Manchester United defence. They had two chances (in the second half), but looking at it now, the last four games, they’ve lost them all and haven’t scored (Chelsea) and that is a big, big problem.”

Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United.

Darren Fletcher reacts on TNT Sports comms: "Manchester United do the league double over Chelsea, they win here for the first time in six years, they’ve got a 10 point cushion now between themselves in third and the team in sixth.

"Michael Carrick was given the job to get Manchester United into the Champions League and he’s just about done it. Bruno Fernandes the leader and the architect, Matheus Cunha with an excellent finish in the first half."

Mainoo booked for a foul on Garnacho.

Mount booked for kicking the ball away.

The Blues have had 21 shots but just three on target.

United have mustered four with Cunha's goal their only one on target.

Four minutes added.

Romeo Lavia on for Enzo.

Zirkzee on, Mbeumo off.

Chelsea are in danger of losing FOUR at home in the league for the first time since 1993 (via out man Adam Dickinson).

Caicedo arrows a stunning 20-yarder inches past the far post.

It hits a nearby steward - but not the back of the net.

Still 1-0 to United with Chelsea pushing hard for an equaliser.

Garnacho surges at speed down the left and into the area, but Mazraoui comes flying across and slides into a perfect tackle that even earns his side a goal kick.

McCoist on TNT Sports comms: ”It’s a brilliant tackle, and I’ve just come off my seat just in case you heard a crash there. He gets across really well. I’m absolutely fine, my pride’s taken a bit of a battering but apart from that.

”When the tackle got made from Mazraoui which was an excellent one, I thought [from] the direction of the ball maybe he just missed it and Garnacho got a toe to it, but how wrong was I? Brilliant tackle.”

Chalobah and Acheampong on.

Fofana and Gusto off.

Mount and Amad Diallo on.

Cunha and Sesko off.

Much was made of The Red Devils' defensive issues ahead of kick off, but Heaven and Mazraoui have grown in stature as this game has gone on, as well as having a touch of luck along the way.

United would stay third and would move 10 points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea with just five games remaining.

The Blues would remain four points adrift of fifth-placed Liverpool, who could pull seven points ahead of Chelsea when Arne Slot’s Reds play their game in hand at Everton on Sunday.

The hosts have been well on top for a long time now.

Palmer has a pop from distance but it's well blocked by Heaven.

All hands to the pump for that makeshift United defence.