Manchester United – Chelsea: Counter-Attacking United Secure Top Four (4-1)

Manchester United took the lead early on but experienced some defensive issues in the first half in their man-oriented system. The second half saw an improvement in this aspect, and they were able to tear Chelsea apart with their counter-attacking game, earning a dominant win to secure Champions League football next season.

Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley.

Manchester United came into this match knowing that they only needed a draw to confirm Champions League qualification. Erik ten Hag’s side lined up in a 4-3-3 shape, with a back four of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphaël Varane, Victor Lindelöf, and Luke Shaw. Casemiro started as the deepest midfielder, with Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen ahead of him. Antony and Jadon Sancho then played either side of Anthony Martial in the forward line.

For Chelsea and Frank Lampard meanwhile, there was not much to play for other than pride as their disastrous season reaches its conclusion. Lampard reverted to a 4-2-3-1 shape after his use of a back three against Manchester City on Sunday. César Azpilicueta, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Lewis Hall were the backline, while Carney Chukwuemeka joined Enzo Fernández in midfield. Conor Gallagher played a number ten role in support of Kai Havertz up front, while Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk were the wingers.

United’s porous midfield

Casemiro’s header from Eriksen’s set-piece delivery gave United the lead within the first ten minutes. As they have . . .