Chelsea gave their hopes of playing Champions League football next season a huge boost as Marc Cucurella’s second-half header saw off Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
Spanish full-back Cucurella guided in Reece James’ excellent cross to secure a win that moves Chelsea up to fourth place in the Premier League.
The Blues needed this result to ensure a top-five finish would be in their own hands going into the final weekend of the domestic campaign.
For a large part of Friday’s game they were frustrated by the visitors, but the result means they sit above Aston Villa on goal difference and are a point clear of sixth-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
Although his United side have a crucial game against Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday, visiting boss Ruben Amorim named a strong side for this trip to west London.
It looked like the decision could produce a morale-boosting win when Harry Maguire fired home an excellent volley in the first half, but it was ruled out for offside after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR).
Chelsea’s James then hit the left post with a swirling effort before the break, and the Blues thought they had a penalty in the second half when Tyrique George went down inside the box as Andre Onana rushed out to push away the ball.
A spot-kick was given initially but then ruled out after a VAR check as replays showed Onana got the ball first.
But the home fans were celebrating soon after when James expertly curled a delivery to the far post from the right and Cucurella rose to guide a header beyond Onana.
Chelsea will travel to Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season knowing they can guarantee Champions League football in 2025-26 with a win.
Defeat for Amorim’s United, meanwhile, was their 18th in 37 Premier League games and leaves them 16th in the table.
