Manchester United confirms Champions League berth after beating Chelsea

 

Manchester United will return to the UEFA Champions League after sealing their top-four finish in the ongoing Premier League. The Red Devils hammered Chelsea by 4-1 at Old Trafford on Thursday night to secure their place in Europe’s top-flight football competition.

Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes (penalty), and Marcus Rashford scored for United to help them grab three crucial points. In fact, Erik Ten Hag’s team needed a point in their last two matches to end Liverpool’s chances of finishing among the top four teams.

It was a fine performance from the home team as they dominated the contest against the Blues. Erik Ten Hag was delighted after his team confirmed their berth in UCL and the Dutchman admitted that Premier League is tough and it is a sweet reward for their hard work.

“It’s important; this club belongs in the Champions League,” manager Erik ten Hag told Sky Sports. “But it’s not easy in the Premier League. It’s a tough competition, so it’s a massive performance when you get this done.”

On the other hand, the team’s captain Bruno Fernandes feels it has been a decent season for them but they will be hungry for more. The Portuguese midfielder wants to finish the season on a high by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final on June 3. Earlier in the season, Manchester United won the Carabao Cup in February.

“[The season has been] decent, it’s not perfect because we want more,” Fernandes said. “But for what we did this season, I think it’s great. Won one trophy, we get to the top four — that was our goal after we saw we couldn’t go for the Premier League [title].

“Now it’s about finishing the league well and go to the FA Cup and win.”

In fact, Manchester United have remained unbeaten in 17 games while playing at their home fortress of Old Trafford. Fernandes gave his gratitude to the home crowd for their relentless support.

“They know how important they are for us,” Fernandes said of the home supporters. “You could see during the season how important it was in many games, so we just appreciate all the effort.”

Manchester United will play their last Premier League match of the season against Fulham on Sunday at Old Trafford.