Bruno Fernandes was furious with Rasmus Hojlund on a couple of occasions in United's defeat to Chelsea
Bruno Fernandes was furious with Rasmus Hojlund on a couple of occasions in United's defeat to Chelsea
Manchester United warmed up for next week's Europa League final by losing 1-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to suffer their 18th defeat of a dreadful Premier League season.
Tottenham were also beaten on Friday, going down 2-0 at Aston Villa to ensure next week's finalists in Bilbao will remain in 16th and 17th in the Premier League table when they do battle for Europe's secondary club competition.
United had their moments in West London, enjoying a spell of pressure in the second half and looking more assured than they have in recent Premier League fixtures, but they were undone by Marc Cucurella's second-half header, extending their winless run in the league to eight games.
Fernandes calls out Hojlund
This was another game that showed Rasmus Hojlund's limitations as United's No.9. He was easily outfought by Chelsea centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, who won almost every duel the two of them contested.
Hojlund also didn't do enough sharp work on the ground, and one loose lay-off to Fernandes in the first half summed it up. He should have found the captain with time to play a forward ball to get United moving, but he left a simple pass short and Fernandes had to rush his pass, which was blocked.
The midfielder glared at Hojlund as he retreated into shape and when the ball then went out of play, he rebuked United's No.9. It was another game that passed him by.
He received the ball in a dangerous position during a good spell early in the second half, but was then ponderous in possession and the move broke down. A minute later, Fernandes was under pressure in midfield and had no out-ball. When he was dispossessed, he reacted furiously at Hojlund, who had been stationary rather than giving him an option.
It was a reminder why a striker is right at the top of United's shopping list this summer, with £30million Liam Delap leading the race to lead the line next season.
Onana gets away with one
Enzo Fernandez would have been relieved to see the offside flag go up after he blazed over the rebound from Cole Palmer's shot late in the first half, but Andre Onana would also have been delighted to see Fernandez spoon his effort over the bar.
Onana's save from Palmer's deflected shot looked spectacular, but it didn't need to be. The ball was spinning, and it looked like the goalkeeper got his timing wrong. In the end, he simply palmed the ball straight back into his six-yard box, presenting Fernandez with a big chance.
Thankfully for Onana, the Argentine made a mess of it and the flag was up anyway, but it was a reminder of the little issues that continue to crop up in Onana's game.
Maguire disappointed
Harry Maguire has made a habit of popping up with late goals this season and has done a passable impression of a striker at times. He was still playing centre-back when he slammed in a half-volley from Fernandes' cross and then celebrated as if it was an everyday occurrence.
You could tell it was a great goal and a superb strike from a player not noted for that sort of connection, because the United subs were on their feet and craning their necks to get a replay, with coach Adelio Candido in charge of the tablet.
When that replay was viewed, it looked like Maguire might have been marginally offside. As VAR Craig Pawson reviewed the footage, Maguire looked over to the bench for information, and Amorim responded with a gesture that told him it was tight.
Maguire probably knew what was coming next and his head slumped when he realised his sweet strike was being chalked off.
Mount booing
Chelsea fans gave Mason Mount a tougher time in his second return to Stamford Bridge than they did on his first game back last season, when he came on for the final four minutes of a madcap 4-3 defeat. Mount came on when United led 3-2 and walked off after they had contrived to throw the game away.
The difference now is that he's in the best moment of his United career and returned not only feeling fit and in form, but with the chance to really stake a claim to start the Europa League final next week.
So he was always likely to cop a bit more flak this time around, although in truth it doesn't really make a lot of sense. He left Chelsea for a good transfer fee and gave excellent service to the club. It's hard to see why they have such an issue with him.
Away end
It was another superb United away end in the capital, with the Shed End vista for visiting fans an excellent one these days at Stamford Bridge.
The atmosphere was outstanding throughout and even after watching defeat No.18 of the Premier League season, they applauded the players and sang about adventures to come in Bilbao.