Manchester United will be back in the Champions League next season after they thrashed Chelsea 4-1 on Friday while securing a top four position in the Premier League.
Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford scored for the Red Devils, who need a point from their remaining two games to end Liverpool’s hopes of securing a Champions League place.
“It’s important; this club belongs in the Champions League,” manager Erik ten Hag told Sky Sports as quoted by ESPN.
“But it’s not easy in the Premier League. It’s a tough competition, so it’s a great performance when you finish it.”
Three-time Champions League winners Manchester United, who failed to qualify for the Champions League last season, are third on 72 points with one game in hand, six clear of fifth-placed Liverpool.
Fourth-place Newcastle secured a place in the Champions League following a goalless draw against Leicester City on Monday.
Chelsea, who have struggled all season, are 12th with 43 points.
Manchester United won the Carabao Cup in February and aim to complete their second title when they face rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final on June 3.
“[The season] was not bad, it wasn’t perfect because we wanted more,” said Fernandes.
“But for what we’ve done this season, I think it’s great. Winning a trophy, we reach the top four – that was our goal after we saw we couldn’t chase the Premier League [title].
“Now it’s about finishing the league well and going to the FA Cup and winning.”
The Red Devils are unbeaten in the Premier League during their 17 matches at Old Trafford.
“They know how important they are for us,” Fernandes said of the home crowd. “You could see throughout the season how important it was in a lot of games, so we appreciate all the effort.”
Casemiro scored in the sixth minute with a header from a free kick.
The Brazilian midfielder was also key to Martial’s goal just before halftime with a no-look pass to Jadon Sancho who then found Martial.
Chelsea had to concede again after Bruno Fernandes made it 3-0 through a penalty in the 73rd minute.
Then Rashford was able to score the fourth goal for the Red Devils as well as his 30th goal of the season in all competitions.
Apart from the excitement of taking a place in the top four, injuries to Antony and Luke Shaw will be a concern for Ten Hag ahead of United’s clash with Man City.
The Red Devils are without Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer for the final match.
Joao Felix pulled one back for the visitors in the 89th minute, but the game was far from their reach, with Chelsea set to finish bottom of the Premier League for the first time since 1995-96.
