The Reds have returned their fewest wins and points in a Premier League season. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Manchester United slumped to an 18th Premier League defeat at the hands of Chelsea last night, ensuring they will go an entire campaign without winning back-to-back games for the first time in the competition’s history.
Unlike fellow finalists Tottenham Hotspur, Ruben Amorim had boldly decided to go full-strength in his line-up at Stamford Bridge. Yet, the side proceeded to oversee an equally dismal display as the times he’s rested key players.
In fairness, United did finish the tie with more possession, so they weren’t played off the park throughout the match. It’s just the fact that they did absolutely nothing with it. Had the hosts been more on it, the scoreline could’ve easily left Amorim and his players red-faced.
Chelsea clinch late win over despairing United
Marc Cucurella provided the only goal on the night when he headed home from an inch-perfect Reece James cross in the 71st minute, providing the Blues with a crucial boost to fire them back into the Champions League places following Aston Villa’s win over Spurs earlier in the evening.
To get his pass in the area, James cleverly brushed off Alejandro Garnacho by pirouetting past him, leaving him unmarked on the edge of the box and free to set up his teammate.
Garnacho gets it in the neck from senior Reds
When the ball eventually found its way into the back of the net, Samuel Luckhurst spotted Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire’s instant reactions to Garnacho, who could’ve undoubtedly done more to block the full-back’s assist.
“Fernandes moaning at Garnacho after Cucurella’s goal. Maguire also having a pop at him,” said the journalist.
It’s the kind of lacklustre defending that fans have grown accustomed to in the top flight this season. However, a display akin to that on Wednesday could prove calamitous in United’s hopes of reigning victorious in Bilbao.
Spurs’ showings have left a lot to be desired throughout 2024/2025, but they have beaten United on three separate occasions.
