Manchester United suffered another defeat in a terrible season at Stamford Bridge on Friday night.
For the 18th time in the Premier League, Manchester United were beaten, this time 1-0 against a Chelsea side pushing for Champions League qualification.
The only way United can achieve qualification for Europe’s most prestigious competition is by winning the Europa League final on Wednesday.
Ruben Amorim fielded a strong side against Chelsea, not rotating like many expected him to ahead of the final.
United fans spent the game serenading Amorim and singing about travelling to Bilbao. This was another reminder that these fans will stick behind the team through thick and thin.
The only saving grace from the trip to Stamford Bridge is United came away from it without any fresh injury setbacks.
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Enzo Maresca ‘surprised’ by Manchester United
Although United started the game brightly, Amorim’s side eventually let Chelsea into the game and the hosts proved more clinical in front of goal.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca admitted he was ‘surprised’ by United’s aggression, after watching his Chelsea side battle for three points.
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Maresca may have expected a weakened team by United, but he did not get that on the night.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Maresca said: “Tonight we struggled on the ball because we didn’t expect them to be so aggressive man-to-man.
“I usually watch five or six games of the other team and I’ve never seen them so aggressive man-to-man. They surprised us a bit on that.”
United didn’t play well on the night and Amorim hinted that they lacked the aggression required in the final third.
Perhaps Maresca was expecting the Red Devils to be steamrolled by his players.
Maresca remains unbeaten against Manchester United
Although Maresca has only played against United on two occasions, the Chelsea coach remains unbeaten in those matches.
Chelsea have won one and drawn one against United since Maresca was made manager.
Games Wins Draws Losses
2 1 1 0
Enzo Maresca record vs Manchester United
Maresca’s future has been questioned but he looks set to stay at Chelsea if they can clinch Champions League qualification.
Hopefully, next season, he will suffer his first defeat against United.