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Chelsea vs Manchester United LIVE: Blues seal imperative victory with top five place at stake

Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United: Enzo Maresca’s collected a crucial three points to keep themselves inside the Champions League places

Friday 16 May 2025 23:43 BST

We are going to try and finish well, make Champions League - Maresca

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Marc Cucurella’s invaluable header proved the difference as Chelsea emerged with an imperative win over struggling Manchester United to keep their Champions League destiny in their own hands.

Man United thought they had the lead when Harry Maguire volleyed home from a delightful Bruno Fernandes cross in the first half, only to be ruled a shoulder offside by VAR.

Chelsea continued to be frustrated despite growing into the game, with Reece James coming closest in the first half with a stunning effort that struck the post.

But it was James who inspired the eventual winner, pirouetting on the edge of the box before picking out Cucurella who headed home, putting Chelsea on course to a victory that maintained their place in the top five.

They now need just one more win - on the final day - to ensure Champions League qualification for next term, with Aston Villa breathing down their neck after beating Tottenham earlier in the evening.

Relive all the action from Stamford Bridge with our live blog below:

Good evening!

Welcome to The Independent’s coverage of tonight’s Premier League action between Chelsea and Manchester United.

The Blues are hoping to keep up their challenge for the Champions League spots and need three points to remain ahead of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest.

Man Utd meanwhile are focusing on next week’s Europa League final and Ruben Amorim has a few injuries concerns to juggle tonight.

We’ll have all the team news, line-ups and more throughout the night so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 8.15pm.

Mike Jones16 May 2025 09:57

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