Manchester United defeated Chelsea 4-1 on Thursday night at Old Trafford to clinch Champions League football. In the sixth minute, Casemiro gave the Red Devils the lead by heading in a goal. Before halftime, Anthony Martial scored, and Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes added goals to give the hosts a 3-0 victory.
Manchester United knew they needed just a point against Chelsea to lock up a top-four finish going into the encounter.
Casemiro gave them an early advantage as he rose to head home a precise cross from Christian Eriksen.
When Antony was forced from the game, United suffered a setback. The former Ajax star's participation in the FA Cup final next month is now in doubt.
Martial, a French international, scored his ninth goal of the year in the final seconds before halftime, but they had already doubled their lead. Rashford and Fernandes both scored to seal the victory.
Jadon Sancho ingnites in Antony's absence
United intended to utilize Jadon Sancho as a right winger when they acquired him back in the summer 2021 transfer window.
Since that time, the England international has participated in a wide range of duties while playing for the team. But given how well he played there against Chelsea, there's still a chance he may be a viable option there. Sancho assisted Martial's goal and was dangerous while playing in a position where he excelled at Borussia Dortmund.
Although Antony is questionable for the cup final, there is always hope that another high-profile acquisition will deliver for the Red Devils as they attempt to deny Manchester City from completing a treble.
Erik Ten Hag has had a debut season to remember.
It's undeniably a debut season to remember as manager for Erik Ten Hag. Having secured a Carabao Cup title in February, which led to United ending their six-year trophy drought and now securing a spot in the Champions League,
There's another trophy-triumphant possibility if they beat domestic rivals Manchester City next month in the Emirates FA Cup final.
Marcus Rashford joins United's Elites
Although he has been on a goal drought for some time and missed some games due to injury, the academy graduate got on the score sheet after coming on for injured Antony.
His 30 goals across all competitions means he is on the same level as Robin Van Persie, who was the last player to score 30 goals in a single campaign for the 20-time Premier League champions.
The Champions League returns to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were shocked to have been kicked out of the Europa League by a struggling Sevilla side, but they swept Chelsea away to secure a return to the Champions League next season.
Currently third, they can easily pick up another win against Fulham this weekend to finish above Newcastle United and forfeit the UEFA Champions League play-offs.
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