(Football news) Manchester United defeated Chelsea 4-1 at Old Trafford in the Premier League, confirming their place in the Champions League for next season. Casemiro scored the opening goal for the hosts, heading in from Christian Eriksen’s free kick in the sixth minute while Anthony Martial scored from close range in the first-half stoppage time. Chelsea were wasteful in front of goal and their inability to take chances cost them.
In the second half, Bruno Fernandes won and converted a penalty while Wesley Fofana, who conceded the spot kick gifted the ball to the Portuguese international, who provided the assist for Marcus Rashford in the 78th minute. The only concern for Erik ten Hag from this match would be that Antony was forced off injured and could possibly be out for the season. It was undoubtedly a happy night for Manchester United fans, who saw their side defeat rivals Chelsea, ensuring Liverpool will play in the Europa League next season and progress to third in the Premier League.
Speaking after the match, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said “This club belongs in the Champions League. But it is not easy in the Premier League, it is tough. A lot compete for those positions – seven or eight teams. It is a massive performance when you get this done. We showed a winning attitude.
“You can see Chelsea has outstanding players. Counter-attacks were really good, really dangerous. We should have scored more. It is important to stay in the rhythm on Sunday. We can be third, so we want to keep the focus. We are in the right direction but we know we are still not there. We are back in the Champions League. That is an important step. If you want to be successful you have to be in that competition.
“It is a good base to build on but standards have to go up and demands have to rise. We have to work in the summer with this squad but we also have to strengthen in the window with this squad. We want to compete for the title but it has to be realistic. It is what is there. Now, we are far away so there is a lot of work to do but we need better players if we want to compete for the highest.”
Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard said “It is a sign of where we are at. You can go back to the start of the season. We don’t score enough goals. It’s clear, I get asked a lot why we play at the back five at times. Some of the defending in the second half showed why we play a back five. I am disappointed with that. You have to have pride and passion every time you play for this club. There are certain technical details you have to work on daily, to do all those standard things. Standards isn’t a casual statement.
“Any team that wins or consistently gets results in the Premier League has standards as a base. Without them the tactics do not matter. Training well every day, trying to improve, being a collective unit. There are variables – we have a big squad. It’s been hard for the coaches. I’ve lived that. It is a bad year for the club. We’ve had massive success over the past 20 years. We have to get to the bottom of how it improves. It needs a reboot. The club will move on in the summer in terms of how the squad looks.”
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