Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United: Another Defeat As The Reds Edge To Worst Premier Tally

The Premier League season is almost over, and for Manchester United fans, it is one they will not want to look back on in a hurry. Last night, we suffered yet another defeat, falling 1-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

United have not won a league game since March 16th, when they won 3-0 over relegated Leicester City. There is still one game left to play in the league at home to Aston Villa, who are chasing Champions League qualification as well.

DECENT FIRST HALF

Head coach Ruben Amorim named a full-strength side to take on the Blues with the Europa League final looming next week. Five changes were made to the starting eleven that lost to West Ham last weekend. United began the match well, and we thought we had taken the lead when Bruno Fernandes crossed the ball into the box for Harry Maguire to expertly put his finish past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

However, the celebrations would be short-lived for our travelling support and those watching at home, as VAR picked up that Maguire was marginally ahead of Tosin Adarabioyo when the ball came in and deemed offside.

It was then the opposition’s opportunity to threaten with the opening goal as Reece James’ strike from outside of the box in the 24th minute effort went past Andre Onana, rattling the outside of the post. Rasmus Hojlund then survived a shout for handball inside the box when Enzo Fernandez hit a shot from close range at him. There was another scare for United when Noni Madueke put through Cole Palmer, whose effort was deflected by Onana into the path of Enzo Fernandez. He missed the rebound, but the offside flag was raised to spare his blushes as both teams went into the half-time break level.

INTENSITY DROPS IN SECOND HALF

The Reds looked to be more of a threat at the start of the second half, creating some decent opportunities, but ultimately did not prove fruitful in scoring the opening goal of the game. The 61st minute saw another talking point when Tyrique George fell down under Andre Onana’s challenge inside the box. Referee Chris Kavanagh initially gave the penalty to the Blues, but there would be a VAR intervention that clearly showed the goalkeeper had touched the ball first.

The attacking intensity started to wane from United. Rasmus Hojlund was not having a good game by his standards, as he was poor at receiving and holding up the ball to help his teammates get forward into attacking positions. Amad and Patrick Dorgu struggled to get up the wings and have much influence.

We were to be punished in the 71st minute when Reece James collected Pedro Neto’s pass, spinning the ball to get past Alejandro Garnacho. He then delivered a cross into the box that was headed home by Marc Cucurella to give Chelsea the lead. It could have been 2-0 as Noni Madueke had raced through on goal after being put through by Cole Palmer. However, he subsequently missed the target.

Marc Cucurella with a HUGE goal for Chelsea! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/LOfq65LIgt

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 16, 2025

United tried to get back into the game with Harry Maguire feeding the ball through to Amad who cut it inside, and his shot was saved by Robert Sanchez at the near post. That effort was to be the last for the Reds as nine minutes of stoppage came and went as we fell to another defeat in the league. We have only taken 18 points on the road this season, by far the worst we have done in the Premier League era.

Player Ratings & MOTM

Andre Onana – 6 Had not been tested aside from the goal by Cucurella and Reece James’ effort hitting the post. Luckily his challenge on Tyrique George for the penalty was overturned by VAR.

Victor Lindelof – 6. Looked decent throughout the game.

Harry Maguire – 7.5 & MOTM. Put in another strong display at the heart of the defence, moving the ball quickly and anticipating the danger from the opposition. Unfortunate that his goal was ruled out for offside in the first half.

Luke Shaw – 6. A decent display that gave him more match fitness and came through the game unscathed.

Noussair Mazaroui – 6. Looked good for the first half, but ultimately lost Cucurella for the goal.

Casemiro – 7. Stepped up to the battle against Moises Caicedo and limited what Chelsea could do through the middle of the park. 

Bruno Ferandes – 6.5. Dictated the play during the first half but his influence waned in the second half.

Patrick Dorgu – 6. Didn’t get forward as much as he could have done when compared with the opposition’s Reece James did.

Mason Mount – 6. Had a couple of efforts against his former club but did not have the impact of the game he would have liked to.

Rasmus Højlund – 5. Struggling with his confidence and game throughout.

Amad Diallo – 6. Had a slow first half but looked the only player that could produce any attacking threat.

Subs:

Alejandro Garnacho – 5. Did not produce anything in the final third when he came on.

Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte & Ayden Heaven – N/A

Looking ahead

It is the Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao next week with both sides looking to bring home the trophy and put a positive spin on a otherwise dreadful league season. Winning the competition would see us qualify for the Champions League next season. A plus from the Chelsea game that every player came out of it unscathed so Ruben Amorim should have a full strength squad to choose from.