Manchester United have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League after demolishing Chelsea.
Manchester United cruised to a 4-1 victory over Chelsea on Saturday (26 June) in the 32nd round of the 2022-23 English Premier League at Old Trafford.
The win, United’s third in a row, lifts the Red Devils to third place in the table with 22 wins, six draws and nine losses (72 points). With just one game to go, the Red Devils have secured their place in the Big Four and a spot in the Champions League.스포츠토토
The Red Devils play with Anthony Martial up front, with Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, and Anthony in the second line. With Christian Eriksen and Casemiro in the back three to provide stability, United pressed Chelsea hard from the start.
The first goal came early. They took the lead in the sixth minute when Eriksen’s free-kick was headed home by Casemiro in the box. The key was to extend their lead before half-time. Through Casemiro and Sancho, Martial added another before the break.
In the second half, the Red Devils took control and extended their lead to 4-0 with a 28th-minute penalty from Fernandes and a 33rd-minute wedge from Marcus Rashford.
Chelsea, who were on the verge of a humiliating away defeat, saved face when Joao Felix scored the winner just before the break. However, Chelsea’s winless run in their last three games, including two consecutive defeats, continued into the end of the season. The Blues, who have dropped to mid-table this season, remain in 12th place with 11 wins, 10 draws and 16 losses (43 points).
Manchester United’s 4-1 thrashing of Chelsea ensured that their rivals’ egos were stroked. The Red Devils have also closed the gap on Liverpool. Winners of seven of their last eight games, the Reds had been chasing fourth place, but Manchester United’s victory ensured fifth place regardless of the final result. Fifth place in the Premier League means a place in the Europa League, not the Champions League.
Fernandes also expressed his delight at Liverpool’s frustration. “This win means a lot,” he told Sky Sports after the game. It means a lot that we have achieved our goal and I think the fans will be happy that Liverpool are not in the Champions League.”
In contrast, Liverpool’s key striker Mohamed Salah posted on social media, “There are no excuses. We let the fans down. We are Liverpool and the least we can do is qualify for the Champions League, so I’m sorry,” he apologised.