Matheus Cunha scores winner as Man Utd beat Chelsea to take another step towards Champions League

Jack Otway
Sat, 18 Apr 2026 20:55:42 +0000

Matheus Cunha scored the winner after good work from Bruno Fernandes as Manchester United beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday night.

The Brazilian's goal in the opening half proved sufficient to seal a crucial victory that significantly enhances United's prospects of returning to Champions League football next season.

Fernandes' assist was his 18th in the Premier League this campaign, leaving him just two shy of the competition's all-time record.

For United supporters, the triumph represented only their second league success at Chelsea's ground since 2002, sparking jubilant celebrations among the travelling contingent.

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Liam Rosenior's side now find themselves in serious jeopardy regarding their own European ambitions following this latest setback.

The defeat marked Chelsea's fourth successive loss in the top flight, an unwanted sequence they have experienced only once before in this century.

Perhaps most concerning for the Blues is their complete inability to find the net during this barren run, with their last goal coming on 4 March.

Despite enjoying superior possession, registering more shots and recording a higher expected goals figure than their opponents, Chelsea could not convert their dominance into a breakthrough.

The woodwork proved Chelsea's nemesis on three separate occasions throughout a deeply frustrating evening for the home side.

Young Brazilian talent Estevao struck the frame of the goal before being forced to withdraw after just 16 minutes, having suffered his second hamstring problem within a month.

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Liam Delap subsequently saw his effort cannon back off the post, while defender Wesley Fofana also came agonisingly close when his attempt rebounded off the woodwork.

These near misses encapsulated Chelsea's evening perfectly, with Rosenior's men left to rue their inability to convert clear opportunities despite creating the better chances throughout the contest.

Alejandro Garnacho endured a hostile reception on his first outing against his former employers, with United supporters directing sustained boos towards the winger throughout the match.

The jeering from the away end matched the intensity of their celebrations when Cunha's winner hit the net.

Chelsea fans voiced their own discontent as the match wore on, breaking into chants of "we want our Chelsea back" amid growing frustration with their team's dire form.

The introduction of Mason Mount as a late substitute provided home supporters with an additional target for their displeasure during the closing stages of the contest.

But United, ultimately, got the job done to take another huge step towards Europe's premier competition.

The Red Devils are next in action against Brentford a week on Monday. As for Chelsea, they're set to face Brighton on Tuesday night.