Matheus Cunha’s first-time finish secured a huge three points to strengthen Manchester United’s grip on third place in the Premier League table.
The Brazil star finished off a swift break having been teed up by the outstanding Bruno Fernandes two minutes before the interval to bring Michael Carrick’s side back to winning ways following a shock, limp loss at home to Leeds last Monday.
And while Chelsea enjoyed plenty of possession and created a handful of chances at Stamford Bridge, Liam Rosenior’s team lost for the fourth game in a row, failing to score in any of them.
Chelsea, who were met with loud boos at full-time, remain sixth but could lose more ground on a Champions League spot depending on how Aston Villa and Liverpool fare in Sunday’s games.
United, meanwhile, are now 10 points clear of the Blues as they seek a return to European football’s top competition.
Relive the action from the Premier League with our live blog below:
Rosenior not feeling heat
“No. I put myself under the most pressure,” he told the BBC. “We just have to keep working with the staff and the players to turn things around.”
Fernandes on chasing assist records
“I say every time that I want to do better than the season before,” United’s captain told TNT Sports. “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.”
Rosenior reacts
Chelsea’s head coach told the BBC: “It is so difficult. Today they had one shot on target while we were down to 10 men. We had wave after wave of attack and hit the woodwork I think four times. I don’t want my team to feel things are against us. We have to keep fighting.”
Carrick’s comments
“We feel it was deserved,” United’s interim head coach says of the result to the BBC. “The set-backs we have had the last few days, the centre-back partnership we had it would be a bit of a challenge but I felt the defence was immense in difficult circumstances.
“We looked dangerous on the break. The performance, to come here and win, we had to be disciplined and the attitude was top drawer for me tonight and we got the win which we are delighted about.
“I thought through the middle of the team we were particularly good. They have some really good players and you can’t switch off.”
Chelsea’s run in
Considering their stinking run of form, Chelsea need a major improvement in attack and results – plus both Villa and Liverpool to slump further.
They next visit Brighton before meeting Leeds in the FA Cup semi-finals next weekend. After that they must take on Forest, Liverpool, Spurs and Sunderland.
Michael Carrick shows shades of Alex Ferguson as Man Utd secure vital win over Chelsea
Much has been made of Manchester United’s identity as the club search for a new permanent manager, and the latest display from Michael Carrick’s side proves they possess one key aspect of ‘the United way’.
A first-half goal from Matheus Cunha was enough to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with United producing the type of away performance that once typified the club as they climbed 10 points above their opponents in the race for the Champions League.
United’s run in
Carrick’s side need five points from their final five fixtures to guarantee a top-five finish – presuming Chelsea go on a winning run that presently appears unlikely.
And United next up face Brentford at home before welcoming Liverpool to Old Trafford. After that they visit Sunderland, host struggling Nottingham Forest and round-up the campaign away to Brighton, who remain in with a shout of Europe too.
Bruno Fernandes speaks
The United captain tells TNT Sports: “It’s an amazing feeling for us, we had to bounce back. 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.”
Numbers to worry Rosenior
Chelsea, approaching seven hours without scoring a goal, have now lost six of the past seven in all competitions and five of the past six in the Premier League.
At Stamford Bridge it is two wins from nine in the league and one from seven in all competitions.
Most important of all they are four points adrift of fifth place and that could be seven points tomorrow night if Liverpool win an away Merseyside derby.
