Player ratings as Manchester United thrash Chelsea 4-1 to secure Champions League football

Manchester United made sure that Champions League football will return to Old Trafford next season with a 4-1 win against Chelsea on Thursday evening.

The 4-1 scoreline may not tell the full story as a toothless Chelsea attack struggled to convert their chances despite being the better side for much of the first half. United did however take control – and more importantly their chances – in the second half.

Manchester United punished Frank Lampard’s side and it was the Brazilian, Casemiro who got the ball rolling under the Old Trafford lights. An Eriksen free-kick found Casemiro who headed past Kepa to give The Reds the lead.

Anthony Martial doubled the advantage shortly before half-time and it was Casemiro again who was the key to the goal when his no-look pass found Sancho who laid it on a plate for United’s no.9 to tap home.

Bruno Fernandes made it 3-0 after winning and converting a penalty and Marcus Rashford sealed the issue ten minutes from time.

Chelsea huffed and puffed but for all the great openings they created, they lacked the finishing touch until Joao Felix came on. The Portuguese attacker glided forward with the ball and struck the ball past De Gea from just outside the area to give Chelsea a late consolation goal.

United on the other hand now have the luxury of being able to rest players at the weekend ahead of the Manchester Derby FA Cup Final a week on Saturday.

The United player ratings from the game can be read below:

David De Gea – 6/10

This year’s Golden Glove winner was rarely called into action against a Chelsea attack that struggled to trouble the Spaniard despite creating multiple good chances when the game was in the balance. Couldn’t do much for Felix’s late consolation goal who struck the ball sweetly with power past United’s no.1. A quiet night.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6/10

Caught ball-watching early on which led to a chance that Mudryk should have done a lot better with. The United right-back was nowhere to be seen again for a similar opportunity which was wasted by Havertz later in the half. Improved in the second half and was the starting point for multiple attacks.

Victor Lindelof – 7/10

Part of a fragile-looking defensive unit tonight. Won the ball back high up the pitch early in the second half which led to a chance for Bruno who hit the woodwork with his effort. Another solid enough outing for the Swede who has proven himself to be a vital squad player in the absence of Lisandro Martinez.

Raphael Varane – 7/10

Fantastic long ball for Martial in the early stages which would have resulted in a one v one had United’s no.9 managed to control the ball. The Frenchman is forming a nice partnership with Lindelof which will give the United boss confidence going into next season.

Luke Shaw – 5/10

Lost his man a couple of times in the early stages which was lucky to go unpunished by a misfiring Chelsea attack, Havertz in particular. Continued to get caught out of position with the majority of Chelsea’s attacks coming down his side although he wasn’t helped much by his teammates. Substituted at half-time for Tyrell Malacia.

Casemiro – 9/10

Set the tone by winning two challenges in the first two minutes and followed it up with a brilliant header shortly after to open the scoring. The Brazilian continued to show his attacking prowess by opening up the Chelsea defence with a chip no-look pass to Sancho who put it on a plate for Martial. A strong contender for United’s Player of the Season and he was exceptional once again tonight. Man of the Match.

Christian Eriksen – 7/10

Fantastic delivery from the free-kick that led to Casemiro’s opening goal. The Dane split open the Chelsea defence again in the 19th minute to leave United with a three v one where Martial should have done better after Antony slipped him in. Perhaps should have scored early in the second half after Malacia found him with the goal at his mercy but he couldn’t adjust his body with the ball slightly behind him. His work out of possession gets called into question but his quality with the ball can’t be denied. Substituted for Fred on the 70-minute mark.

Bruno Fernandes – 7/10

A give-and-take display from the United captain. Some good, some bad. Unlucky not to be given a penalty after being clipped by Fofana in the first half but there wasn’t enough in it for VAR to intervene. Hit the woodwork early in the second half and perhaps should have done better with the chance. Fernandes did get his penalty at the second time of asking after a wonderful nutmeg on Fofana. The Portuguese midfielder got up to convert the penalty and put the game beyond Chelsea’s reach. Brought off for McTominay late on.

Antony – N/A

Created a good chance for Martial early in the game but was forced off with what looks like a season-ending injury in the 25th minute. The Brazilian’s absence will be felt in the FA Cup final who has proven his importance to the team in the last few months.

Anthony Martial – 6/10

A lot more involved compared to his other cameos since returning from injury but his touch let him down on multiple occasions. Doubled United’s lead just before half-time after Casemiro and Sancho had done the heavy lifting. His evening was ended with 20 minutes left to play to make way for Alejandro Garnacho.

Jadon Sancho – 7/10

Looked lively. Created a nice opening for Fernandes in the opening 10 minutes which he couldn’t quite bring under his spell. Switched to the right after Antony was replaced by Rashford. Nice bit of skill to sit Azpiliceuta on the floor shortly after the switch but his shot was blocked. Often takes too long to make his mind up in the final third which may come down to confidence but that wasn’t the case for the second goal when his pass gave Martial an open goal. There are concerns over Sancho’s future at United but there are small signs that he’s starting to head in the right direction. Solid display.

Substitutes

Marcus Rashford – 6/10

Made his return from injury and illness after coming on in the 29th minute for the injured Antony and immediately occupied the left wing. Struggled for much of the game but got his goal after moving central to make it 4-0 with Chelsea’s defence being their own worst enemy.

Tyrell Malacia – 6/10

Created two brilliant chances within a couple of minutes shortly after coming on, first for Wan-Bissaka who dwelled on the ball too long and then for Christian Eriksen who couldn’t convert into an empty net. Seemed to plug the gap down United’s left.

Fred – N/A

Brought on to inject some energy into midfield and see the game out. A solid enough display from the Brazilian.

Alejandro Garnacho – N/A

Came on with twenty to play and was electric as always. Played the ball in behind for Bruno Fernandes which led to the penalty to kill the game off. Was unfortunate that his deflected effort hit the bar which would have made it 5-0.

Scott McTominay – N/A

Brought on with five minutes to play. Had a good chance to score in stoppage time but hit it straight at Kepa.