Manchester United are one step closer to achieving UEFA Champions League qualification next season following a hard-fought 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

A late first half goal by Matheus Cunha was enough to secure the points for the injury and suspension-riddled Michael Carrick side. 

Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez both missed the game due to suspension, while Leny York and Patrick Dorgu were sidelined because of injuries.

Bruno Fernandes provided the assist for the goal, taking his season’s tally to 18. 

Chelsea came close twice to scoring an equaliser but the two headers by Liam Delap and Wesley Fofana in the second half struck the crossbar after beating goalkeeper Senne Lammens. 

The victory means that United, currently on third in the league table, extended their points tally to 58, six points ahead of Liverpool who are occupying the last Champions League spot in fifth.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have now lost six of their last seven matches across all competitions and risk missing out of playing in the Champions League next season as the Blues remain sixth on the table, tied on the same 48 points with Brentford and Bournemouth.

Speaking after the match Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior said “To lose this game in the manner we did is extremely disappointing because we had opportunities to win. I do not feel under pressure.”

He added “I put myself under the most pressure. We just have to keep working with the staff and the players to turn things around.”

At his end, Carrick was happy with the result, stating “Massive! I can’t play that game down. That was massive. That was big for us.”