Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United Player Ratings: Marc Cucurella’s Huge Winner Takes Chelsea to Top Four

Chelsea registered a monumental victory in the Premier League as they hold their top 4 spot. Marc Cucurella scored the winner as Reece James created the goal with a piece of magic. Manchester United failed to respond as they lost tamely to end two months without a league win.

Chelsea had a lot riding on this game. It was a must-win for them as they needed to seal a top 5 spot and secure Champions League football. Enzo Maresca's lineup reflected that as he named a near-strengthened lineup. Tyrique George started as the striker as Nicolas Jackson was suspended. Manchester United had their eyes on the Europa League final coming up next. But Ruben Amorim surprised everyone by naming a strong lineup, including key starters.

Chelsea made a promising start to the game as they imposed themselves on the ball. Bruno Fernandes and Cole Palmer created meaningful chances for their sides. However, Reece James cleared Fernandes' cross, and Noni Madueke fluffed his chances on Palmer's delivery. The game was pretty much end-to-end as possession changed hands multiple times.

Harry Maguire thought he gave United the lead when he volleyed Patrick Dorgu's cross. The new semi-automated system, however, ruled him to be offside by an arm's length. James then hit the post with a thunderous curling right-footed volley from outside the box. There were a lot of mistakes in both teams as they misplaced multiple simple passes. The first half ended goalless as both sides failed to break the deadlock.

United had better chances in the second half through Mount and Fernandes, who both put their shots off target. As the game was heading towards a stalemate, Chelsea's skipper stepped up with 20 minutes to go.

Reece James received the ball on the right flank before spinning exquisitely past Alejandro Garnacho and lobbing the ball into the box. His opposite fullback, Marc Cucurella, attacked it and sent a cushioned header to score a huge goal for the hosts. Chelsea gave their everything to protect their lead as they knew the importance of the lead.

There was pretty much no chance of creation for United as the pitch invader attracted more interest than their attack. Chelsea closed out the game to seal their top-four spot going into the final matchday. They take on Nottingham Forest at home in a crucial match on the final matchday. Meanwhile, Man United remain without a league win in two months. They take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final next.

Here are the Chelsea vs Manchester United Player Ratings.

Chelsea Player Ratings vs Manchester United

GK - Robert Sanchez - 7/10

Made a couple of regulation saves and claims as he wasn't tested early in the game.

RB - Reece James - 8.5/10

Had a few iffy moments defensively, but he was influential in the attack. Came close to scoring as he struck the post. Showed a great piece of skill before slipping in a cross to open the scoring.

CB - Tosin Adarabioyo - 7/10

Was proactively marking Hojlund and had a good time with him. Lost Maguire for a goal that was chalked off.

CB - Lewi Colwill - 7/10

His passing was wide off the mark early in the game. Recovered well to make some crucial defensive interventions.

LB - Marc Cucurella - 9/10

Had a terrific game defensively as he made crunching tackles. Provided himself in the attack as he made his way into the box. Scored a fantastic header to open the scoring.

DM - Enzo Fernandez - 5.5/10

He was outrun in the midfield easily and was the second-best in tackles. Fluffed an easy rebound as the offside flag saved his grace.

DM - Moises Caicedo - 8/10

Imposed himself on the game with a few turns to get out of sticky situations. Failed to produce in the final third.

RW - Pedro Neto - 6.5/10

Had his hands tied with Dorgu as they got the better of each other. His crosses were aimed straight at Onana despite having better chances.

CAM - Cole Palmer - 6.5/10

Started the game strongly with good chance creation. However, had his fair share of sloppy mistakes as the game went on.

LW - Noni Maduke - 6/10

Held the width on the left side and made good runs into the box at times. Failed to control a Palmer cross to open the scoring.

ST - Tyrique Geroge - 6/10

The youngster had a rare start at striker, but his positional awareness was lacking. His runs at times weren't matching with his teammates creatively.

SUB - Romeo Lavia- 6/10

SUB - Malo Gusto- N/A

Manager - Enzo Maresca - 7/10

Named a strong lineup as they had a job to do. The attack wasn't looking inspired as they failed to create chances. His fullbacks won the game for him to win 3 huge points.

Manchester United Player Ratings vs Chelsea

GK - Andre Onana - 6/10

Made a fantastic save to deny Cole Palmer in the first half. The post came to his aid when Reece James struck his volley.

CB - Victor Lindelof - 6/10

Had to be on his toes all day against the pacy Madueke. Started slowly but impressed with his assured defending.

CB - Harry Maguire - 6/10

Led the defence excellently against Chelsea. Stepped out of the defence whenever there was a chance. Had a great goal that was chalked off.

CB - Luke Shaw - 5.5/10

Slowly building his fitness towards the business end of the season. Looked second best in tackles but was bailed out by his teammates.

RM - Noussair Mazraoui - 5.5/10

Tried to invert to help Amad in the attack. His deficiencies were apparent on the ball. Defensively, he did well to handle his flank. Lost Cucurella for the only goal.

CM - Bruno Fernandes - 6/10

He was the engine of the midfield as he tried to create multiple chances. However, the accuracy was missing.

CM - Casemiro - 6.5/10

The veteran midfielder rolled back the years as he brought some bite to the midfield with his tackles. Was carded early in the second half and was replaced.

LM - Patrick Dorgu - 7/10

Was the visitors' best player on the night as he was a menace in both attack and defence. Sadly, there was no tangible end product to show for it.

RF - Amad Diallo - 6/10

Kept on trying throughout the game, but it never quite clicked for him against Cucurella. Was booked for simulation after a poor dive.

LF - Mason Mount - 6/10

Started the game with a lot of purpose against his ex-side. Sneaked into the box but failed to hit the target.

ST - Rasmus Hojlund - 4/10

The striker was utterly ineffective as he was dominated by the opposition centre-backs. Rushed to defend once or twice as it wasn't working for him upfront.

SUB - Alejandro Garancho - 6/10

SUB - Manuel Ugarte - 6/10

SUB - Ayden Heaven - 6/10

SUB - Kobbie Mainoo - 6/10

Manager - Ruben Amorim - 5/10

The manager had no reason to name a strong lineup with the midweek Europa League final coming up. However, his players put in a low-intensity performance as there was no real quality on the pitch.

Sportsdunia's Player Of The Match: Marc Cucurella