Matheus Cunha's first-time finish secured a huge three points to strengthen Manchester United's grip on third place in the Premier League table.
The Brazil star finished off a swift break having been teed up by the outstanding Bruno Fernandes two minutes before the interval to bring Michael Carrick's side back to winning ways following a shock, limp loss at home to Leeds last Monday.
And while Chelsea enjoyed plenty of possession and created a handful of chances at Stamford Bridge, Liam Rosenior's team lost for the fourth game in a row, failing to score in any of them.
Chelsea, who were met with loud boos at full-time, remain sixth but could lose more ground on a Champions League spot depending on how Aston Villa and Liverpool fare in Sunday's games.
United, meanwhile, are now 10 points clear of the Blues as they seek a return to European football's top competition.
Relive the action from the Premier League with our live blog below:
Chelsea vs Man Utd live
- REPORT: Michael Carrick shows shades of Alex Ferguson as Man Utd secure vital win over Chelsea
- 57' OFF THE BAR! Delap header comes back off woodwork [CHE 0-1 MUN]
- 43' GOAL! Cunha slots in opening goal for visitors [CHE 0-1 MUN]
- 38' DISALLOWED! Delap scores but goal ruled out for offside [CHE 0-0 MUN]
- 15' SUB! Estevao takes a knock and is replaced with Garnacho [CHE 0-0 MUN]
Liam Rosenior gives Estevao Willian and Enzo Fernandez injury updates in fresh Chelsea setback
09:16 , Jack RathbornLiam Rosenior has shared how Chelsea star Estevao Willian cried following an injury setback in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester United.
It is the latest setback for the Blues in their pursuit of a top-five finish and Champions League football next season.
While Enzo Fernandez, captaining the side yesterday after an internal two-game suspension, was also forced off with a worrying calf problem.
The injury for Estevao could put his appearance at this summer’s World Cup with Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil at risk.
“He was crying at half time; it was really devastating for him,” Rosenior said, with Chelsea four points off fifth-placed Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
Read more on the latest setbacks for Chelsea below:
Rosenior gives Estevao and Fernandez injury updates after Chelsea setback
Carrick back on track
04:10 , Alan SmithThis was United’s eighth win under Carrick in a dozen league games. They needed 21 to win the same number under Ruben Amorim.
Carrick says future 'out of my hands'
03:49 , Alan Smith"I love being here,” he said after Saturday night’s win. “I understand the situation, it's a bit out of my hands. You want to be parts of nights like this, part of special things, create a team. I haven't got a time frame."
Fernandes 'captain for a reason'
03:15 , Alan Smith"His impact has been immense for a period of time, he's carried that all the way through,” Carrick told TNT Sports.
“He plays most games, he's fit, he's hungry. He had a big shift to do in the middle but he was willing to do that for the team. He's a big personality, he's the captain for a reason.
“Sometimes it's leading by example and showing the way. He's vocal, he's a big presence on the pitch. He's been a big part of this club over the last few years."
'Three points closer'
02:30 , Alan SmithFernandes is not getting carried away by the probability of United returning to the Champions League next season.
He told TNT Sports: "I feel three points closer, we have another game that we have to win. We know we need points to get that place secured and we will do everything possible to be as quick as possible."
Carrick hails defence
01:24 , Alan Smith"I can't play that one down, that was massive, that was a big win for us,” Carrick told TNT Sports. “They had some opportunities but to keep a clean sheet and defend like we did, there was a lot of work that had to go into the last day or so in terms of prepping the team with a new back four.
"I thought Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui coming in were incredible, Ayden being such a young age and Noussair not really playing centre back in a back four. I have to give the coaching staff a lot of credit on getting the boys ready for that. I thought the boys put a magnificent performance in tonight."
Rosenior not feeling heat
Sunday 19 April 2026 00:36 , Alan Smith"No. I put myself under the most pressure,” he told the BBC. “We just have to keep working with the staff and the players to turn things around."
Fernandes on chasing assist records
Saturday 18 April 2026 23:59 , Alan Smith"I say every time that I want to do better than the season before,” United’s captain told TNT Sports. “I want to improve my game overall. Not assists, not goals but overall, everything and I need to improve every week because I want to become a better player and end my career as the best as possible."
Rosenior reacts
Saturday 18 April 2026 23:36 , Alan SmithChelsea’s head coach told the BBC: "It is so difficult. Today they had one shot on target while we were down to 10 men. We had wave after wave of attack and hit the woodwork I think four times. I don't want my team to feel things are against us. We have to keep fighting."
Carrick's comments
Saturday 18 April 2026 23:15 , Alan Smith"We feel it was deserved,” United’s interim head coach says of the result to the BBC. “The set-backs we have had the last few days, the centre-back partnership we had it would be a bit of a challenge but I felt the defence was immense in difficult circumstances.
"We looked dangerous on the break. The performance, to come here and win, we had to be disciplined and the attitude was top drawer for me tonight and we got the win which we are delighted about.
"I thought through the middle of the team we were particularly good. They have some really good players and you can't switch off."
Chelsea's run in
Saturday 18 April 2026 23:05 , Alan SmithConsidering their stinking run of form, Chelsea need a major improvement in attack and results - plus both Villa and Liverpool to slump further.
They next visit Brighton before meeting Leeds in the FA Cup semi-finals next weekend. After that they must take on Forest, Liverpool, Spurs and Sunderland.
Michael Carrick shows shades of Alex Ferguson as Man Utd secure vital win over Chelsea
Saturday 18 April 2026 23:04 , Mike JonesMuch has been made of Manchester United’s identity as the club search for a new permanent manager, and the latest display from Michael Carrick’s side proves they possess one key aspect of ‘the United way’.
A first-half goal from Matheus Cunha was enough to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with United producing the type of away performance that once typified the club as they climbed 10 points above their opponents in the race for the Champions League.
Carrick shows shades of Ferguson as Man Utd secure vital win over Chelsea
United's run in
Saturday 18 April 2026 22:45 , Alan SmithCarrick’s side need five points from their final five fixtures to guarantee a top-five finish - presuming Chelsea go on a winning run that presently appears unlikely.
And United next up face Brentford at home before welcoming Liverpool to Old Trafford. After that they visit Sunderland, host struggling Nottingham Forest and round-up the campaign away to Brighton, who remain in with a shout of Europe too.
Bruno Fernandes speaks
Saturday 18 April 2026 22:25 , Alan SmithThe United captain tells TNT Sports: “It’s an amazing feeling for us, we had to bounce back. We knew that we had to make a great performance today because Chelsea is a very good side. It was very important for us, our aim is to get close to top four, they are the closest one to top five - it’s perfect for us and that’s what we need."
Numbers to worry Rosenior
Saturday 18 April 2026 22:11 , Alan SmithChelsea, approaching seven hours without scoring a goal, have now lost six of the past seven in all competitions and five of the past six in the Premier League.
At Stamford Bridge it is two wins from nine in the league and one from seven in all competitions.
Most important of all they are four points adrift of fifth place and that could be seven points tomorrow night if Liverpool win an away Merseyside derby.
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:56 , Alan SmithManchester United complete the league double over Chelsea to strengthen their grip on a Champions League place.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:55 , Alan Smith90+3’ - One last chance. Chelsea win a free on the right, a yard outside the box, with Neto set to send it in. It ends up being cleared. Sort of. On the opposite flank 15 seconds later Mainoo is booked for a foul and Chelsea put everyone up, including goalkeeper Sanchez. There is nothing doing and Chelsea are beaten again.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:52 , Alan Smith90+1’ - Mount is booked for hoofing the ball away to waste some time after Fernandes committed a foul.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:51 , Alan Smith90’ - There will be four added minutes.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:51 , Alan Smith90’ - Chelsea are beginning to run out of steam. On TV Fernandes has just been given the player of the match, with an honourable mention for Mainoo.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:49 , Alan Smith88’ - And a third Chelsea change sees Lavia on for Fernandez.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:48 , Alan Smith87’ - A third United sub as Zirkzee replaces Mbeumo.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:48 , Alan Smith85’ - Caicedo is a whisker away from distance. He does hit another target, mind - a steward sitting near the goal.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:44 , Alan Smith83’ - Mazraoui makes a fantastic sliding challenge on Garnacho in the box. Some Chelsea fans, without a clear view from their seats, briefly think a penalty has been given but it’s a goal kick.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:42 , Alan Smith82’ - And a double Chelsea change as Acheampong and Chalobah are on for Gusto and Fofana.
Mount gets expected reception
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:42 , Chris WilsonThe latest reaction from Chris Wilson, who’s in place at Stamford Bridge this evening:
“Exactly the type of reception you’d imagine as Mount comes on from Cunha. Similar to what Garnacho has been getting from the away fans since he came on!”
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:41 , Alan Smith81’ - A double change for United as Amad and Mount (who is loudly booed, which seems very strange) are on, Cunha and Sesko are off.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:40 , Alan Smith79’ - United get some respite with a break down their right except a mix up means the promising move amounts to nought aside from a roar of frustration from Fernandes.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:37 , Alan Smith76’ - That said United have been resilient despite their defensive absences. They have kept their shape well and made a host of good blocks - including from Mazraoui just now as he takes a high boot from Cucurella in the shoulder.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:34 , Alan Smith73’ - Garnacho, who has been quiet up against Dalot, chops in and has an effort blocked by Heaven. Chelsea are now utterly dominant and pushing for the leveller.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:32 , Alan Smith71’ - Palmer’s attempt is blocked and from the following scramble Cucurella is looking for a penalty after a 50/50 with Casemiro. It isn’t given because the United midfielder wins the ball. A Chelsea corner follows and that is cleared.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:31 , Alan Smith70’ - Cucurella, canny as ever, wins a free kick on the edge of the box after Mazraoui makes a challenge.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:30 , Alan Smith69’ - The check is over because it turns out the ball struck Fofana’s hand on the way to hitting the bar.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:29 , Alan Smith69’ - Play continues and, honestly, no one is any wiser if the VAR check is over or ongoing.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:29 , Chris WilsonThe latest reaction from Chris Wilson, who’s in place at Stamford Bridge this evening:
“Off the bar again! Chelsea are on top once more, though they’ll be wary that United’s goal came from a similar state of play.”
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:28 , Alan Smith67’ - Chelsea hit the crossbar again and there is also a handball shout that is being checked by the VAR Tony Harrington while play continues.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:27 , Alan Smith66’ - A good block from Casemiro denies Neto’s mid-range punt. The corner is cleared.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:26 , Alan Smith64’ - But now United are close to a second. Sesko picks out Fernandes on the edge of the area. He shoots towards the bottom left corner but it takes a big diversion off Fofana and it briefly looks to be creeping into the bottom right until Sanchez gets down hastily to palm away in the nick of time.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:24 , Alan Smith62’ - Palmer side-foots wide from Gusto’s first-time delivery after some more reasonably good work by Neto. Everything good about Chelsea is coming down their right side.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:22 , Alan Smith61’ - Fofana is sloppy when dealing with a high ball under pressure, heading directly to Cunha, who dribbles forward with United suddenly four-on-four. The goalscorer passes to Fernandes but there is a collective hestitation and the move fizzles out with a rare misplaced pass from Fernandes.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:19 , Alan Smith58’ - This is better from Chelsea, who have upped the intensity and are at least trying to create something. Neto is looking the most likely to create when he drops deep from his position on the right.
'Home fans are full of belief now'
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:19 , Chris WilsonThe latest reaction from Chris Wilson, who’s in place at Stamford Bridge this evening:
“It’s certainly been one of Delap’s better games for Chelsea, and the striker has really unsettled Ayden Heaven at points this evening.
“And he so nearly had a goal to repay his efforts as Chelsea put together their first real attacking move of the half.
“Finally a little bit of energy from the hosts and they almost score, Delap’s header cannoning back off the woodwork. Home fans are full of belief now!”
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:17 , Alan Smith57’ - Delap, who is in such need of a goal, is denied by the crossbar with a towering header. Much better from Chelsea and from their struggling centre-forward.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:15 , Alan Smith54’ - The problem for Chelsea is that no one looks capable right now of producing a game-changing moment. There is such little movement, such little spark. And United, without having to do much, are presently looking very comfortable with their one-goal lead.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:13 , Alan Smith51’ - Some life to the second period. Caicedo’s pot shot from range is deflected off Casemiro for a corner. The delivery from Fernandez is poor, United break and a hectic 30 seconds ends with Fernandes smashing a yard wide at the other end.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:09 , Alan Smith48’ - This has been a very slow start to the half. Chelsea are ponderous on the ball in their own half and United are content to let them have it.
Restarted! Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 21:07 , Alan Smith46’ - No changes at the break and Palmer gets the second half going.
Half-time! Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:51 , Alan SmithChelsea are booed off half-heartedly by some home fans as makeshift United, with four centre halves absent, take a deserved lead in at the break despite having a smaller share of possession.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:48 , Alan Smith45+2 - Dalot hesitates when dealing with a Gusto cross and concedes a corner that was avoidable. Fortunately for the United defender, the danger from Chelsea’s set piece is minimal.
Fernandes closes in on assist record
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:47 , Chris WilsonThe latest reaction from Chris Wilson, who’s in place at Stamford Bridge this evening:
“A goal from nothing for United, and it comes against the run of play.
“It was all Fernandes really, the Portuguese skipping through a couple of challenges before laying off a lovely cutback for Cunha to fire home.
“A good finish from the Brazilian and it’s assist number 18 for Bruno Fernandes as he chases the league record. “
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:47 , Alan Smith45’ - There will be five added minutes.
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:45 , Alan Smith44’ - That’s a lovely move with Fernandes - yet again - at the heart of it. Mbeumo picks out United’s captain down the right. He dribbles and weaves in before sending a low cross to Cunha. And he meets it with perfect timing to beat Sanchez with ease.
GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United (Cunha)
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:44 , Alan Smith44’ - It’s against the run of play but the away team are in front thanks to a top quality goal.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:42 , Alan Smith41’ - Fofana goes down off the ball and requires treatment. It would seem that has come from being involved in the middle of that Sanchez-Casemiro collision. Replays show he was accidentally struck by his ‘keeper.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:41 , Chris WilsonThe latest reaction from Chris Wilson, who’s in place at Stamford Bridge this evening:
“Home fans briefly thought they had a deserved lead but it was an easy offside call in the end.
“The warning signs have been there for United, but will they take heed of them? Carrick’s side have looked pretty poor overall so far.”
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:40 , Alan Smith40’ - And from the ensuring free kick Fernandes dispatches a beauty. Sanchez is strong to punch away despite Casemiro clattering into him. Chelsea’s goalkeeper will have a free kick near his penalty spot.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:39 , Alan Smith39’ - Hato is booked for stopping Mbeumo on the counter.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:39 , Alan Smith38’ - Delap has the ball in the net but the flag is straight up for an offside. It comes after Lammens parries a Fernandez shot to Palmer. He squares to Delap, who finishes into the empty net. Except both the striker and Palmer were off when Fernandez had a pop.
'Chelsea on top in first half'
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:34 , Chris WilsonThe latest reaction from Chris Wilson, who’s in place at Stamford Bridge this evening:
“What a chance for Enzo Fernandez! He’ll be thinking he has to score that.
“He did brilliantly to set the chance up in the first place but after the slice of luck for the ball to fall back into his path, he’ll be gutted he didn’t hit the target from that position.
“In any case, it’s the home side who are on top at the moment, as they have been for most of the first half.”
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:34 , Alan Smith33’ - Big chance for Fernandez. He pick-pockets Mazraoui with Casemiro alongside before shaping up to shoot a whisker wide of the far bottom corner.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:33 , Alan Smith32’ - There may not have been a lot for either goalkeeper to sweat about but this has been an enjoyable enough game so far. It’s high energy stuff.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:31 , Alan Smith31’ - Fernandez takes it but the wall does its job.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:30 , Alan Smith29’ - But now Heaven commits a needless, clumsy foul on Palmer just outside the box. The Chelsea star and Fernandez are having a good chat to decide who takes it, while every United player is in the box, trying to figure out how many must be in the wall.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United.
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:29 , Alan Smith29’ - Dalot goes in strong and fair on Garnacho, winning a throw in right in front of the visiting supporters. Their reaction is, as you’d imagine, jubilant.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:26 , Alan Smith25’ - The visitors have their best chance of the game so far. Fernandes finds Mbeumo down the right with an absolutely delightful pass. The former Brentford player then picks out Cunha with a low cross only for the Brazilian to take a very, very heavy first touch. He loses possession and then gets himself booked for an excessive challenge on Fofana to try to recover possession.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:24 , Alan Smith23’ - United enjoy a decent spell of possession but Sesko is tightly marked and cannot be found.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:22 , Alan Smith21’ - A heavy touch from Sanchez almost gifts United a chance but the Chelsea goalkeeper passes to Cucurella in just the nick of time.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:20 , Alan Smith
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:19 , Alan Smith18’ - Chelsea are well on top. Palmer, who looks in the mood, finds Neto and he in turn tries to pick out Garnacho, who is being jeered by the away end, but the cross is slightly over hit.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:15 , Alan Smith14’ - That looks like the end of Estevao’s evening and Garnacho is getting ready to come on against his former club.
'Utd got away with one there'
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:14 , Chris Wilson at Stamford BridgeThe latest reaction from Chris Wilson, who’s in place at Stamford Bridge this evening:
“Carrick has complained about referees this week but his side got away with one there.
“Moments later, Estevao comes close to opening the scoring with the best attempt so far, but it now looks like he might have to come off.”
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:13 , Alan Smith13’ - Shaw is unable to control a long ball forward, allowing Delap to intercept and set Estevao away. But the young Brazilian’s first touch is poor and United receive another let off. Estevao may have injured himself there - he’s is cluthching his right hamstring.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:12 , Alan Smith11’ - Now Estevao goes within a whisker of opening the scoring with a fine attempt the grazes the goalframe before going out for a goal kick.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:11 , Alan Smith9’ - Palmer, played through by Fernandez, is looking for a penalty and the VAR is taking a look but Tony Harrington, the man in front of the screen, says Ayden Heaven’s challenge was outside the box. It should be a free-kick, then, but no one needs telling that VAR is unsatisfactory in all sorts of ways. That is a fortunate one for United’s young centre back.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:08 , Alan Smith7’ - This has been a rather quiet start aside from the early foul on Dalot. Chelsea are just passing it around patiently at the back, United’s press is not exactly ferocious.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:06 , Alan Smith6’ - Fernandez’s early touches have been met with complete indifference by the home fans.
Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:04 , Alan Smith3’ - A physical start as Caicedo clatters Dalot in the air, while Fernandez and Cunha get stuck in too. Fernandes delivers a free-kick in that Chelsea deal with well.
Kick-off! Chelsea 0-0 Manchester United
Saturday 18 April 2026 20:01 , Alan SmithThe visitors, in red tops, white shorts and black socks, kick off from left to right as we watch. Chelsea are in all blue with the exception of white socks.
Almost time
Saturday 18 April 2026 19:58 , Alan SmithThe teams are out, the formalities are taking place and we’re about to have some action as the sun sets on Stamford Bridge.
Man Utd focus on Champions League spot
Saturday 18 April 2026 19:50 , Mike JonesBruno Fernandes says Manchester United must do whatever it takes to get their Champions League qualification quest back on track following the painful home loss to rivals Leeds.
“Obviously it’s very important for us because, as I’ve said before, everything’s in our hands,” explained the United captain.
“We depend on ourselves and we have to do whatever is needed to get points at the end of the season to be in the top four.”
Dynamic duo
Saturday 18 April 2026 19:45 , Mike JonesBruno Fernandes has assisted Casemiro six times in the Premier League this season – the joint-most by a Manchester United player to a single teammate in a campaign in the competition, equalling Fernandes to Marcus Rashford in 2022-23.
Chelsea's star man
Saturday 18 April 2026 19:40 , Mike JonesChelsea could welcome back Enzo Fernández for this game – the Argentinian has had the joint-most shots on target of any Blues player in the Premier League this season (27), while also creating the most chances overall (51) and in open play (46), and he has completed the most passes in the final third (459).
He’s also top in the Premier League among all players for defensive line-breaking passes (41).
Can Man Utd keep a clean sheet?
Saturday 18 April 2026 19:35 , Mike JonesManchester United have kept just one clean sheet in their last 21 away Premier League matches, while their last two away clean sheets in the competition have come against teams managed by a former manager of theirs (3-0 at Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester in March 2025 and 1-0 at David Moyes’ Everton in February 2026).
Connect four
Saturday 18 April 2026 19:30 , Mike JonesChelsea have lost their last three Premier League matches – only once this century have they lost four games in a row, doing so in April/May 2023 under Frank Lampard.
They haven’t lost four in a row without scoring a goal since February/March 1998, which included a home defeat to Man Utd.
Back-to-back defeats?
Saturday 18 April 2026 19:25 , Mike JonesManchester United have lost two of their last four league games after only losing two of their previous 22 beforehand (W12 D8).
They could lose back-to-back Premier League games for the first time this season – they are currently one of just two clubs yet to suffer two successive defeats in the competition in 2025-26, along with league-leaders Arsenal.
A dip in form
Saturday 18 April 2026 19:20 , Mike JonesSince the start of March, no side in Europe’s big-five leagues has lost more games in all competitions than Chelsea coming into the weekend’s games (6 in 9 games). Their previous six defeats came over a period of 29 games.
Is a draw likely?
Saturday 18 April 2026 19:15 , Mike JonesChelsea vs Manchester United has been drawn more often than other fixture in Premier League history (27).
Just seven of those 27 draws have been 0-0, also making it the fixture with the most score draws in the competition (20).
A double for Man Utd?
Saturday 18 April 2026 19:10 , Mike JonesFollowing their 2-1 win in September, Manchester United are looking to complete the Premier League double over Chelsea for just the second time after the 2019-20 campaign.
Chelsea's home record
Saturday 18 April 2026 19:05 , Mike JonesChelsea have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League home games against Man Utd (six wins, five draw), and are looking to win three in a row against them at Stamford Bridge for the first time since April 2006.
Michael Carrick has no reason to complain – the cards have been stacked in Man United’s favour
Saturday 18 April 2026 19:00 , Richard JollyPart of Michael Carrick’s appeal to Manchester United lay in his ability to be measured and mild-mannered. It was a trait he displayed in his playing days; he was the least likely member of the squad to say anything controversial. No wonder Carrick felt the ideal antidote to Ruben Amorim, who was just too quotable for his own good.
So Carrick has emerged as an unlikely outspoken critic of the officiating. Fresh from United’s complaint to PGMOL about the decisions in their 2-2 draw at Bournemouth came what he called “one of the worst decisions I have ever seen,” to dismiss Lisandro Martinez for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hair in the 2-1 defeat to Leeds.
Carrick has no reason to complain – the cards have been stacked in Man Utd’s favour
All English affair
Saturday 18 April 2026 18:55 , Mike JonesThis game will be just the sixth Premier League meeting this season between two English managers, while it’s the first to be played as late as April in a season by two Englishmen starting the day in the top-six since April 1999, when John Gregory’s 6th-placed Aston Villa faced Harry Redknapp’s 5th-placed West Ham in a 0-0 draw.
Man Utd line-up to face Chelsea
Saturday 18 April 2026 18:49 , Mike JonesMan Utd XI: Lammens; Dalot, Mazraoui, Heaven, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
🔴🥊 In the red corner at Stamford Bridge...
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 18, 2026
Chelsea team to take on Man Utd
Saturday 18 April 2026 18:47 , Mike JonesChelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Hato, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Neto; Delap
Tonight's Chelsea. 🔵📋#CFC | #CHEMUN pic.twitter.com/aqCzLZ1QyC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 18, 2026
Chelsea vs Man Utd
Saturday 18 April 2026 18:42 , Mike JonesThe official line-ups will be dropping in a few minutes time. What can we expect to see?
Will Enzo Fernandez return for Chelsea? Will Mason Mount make a start or will Kobbie Mainoo be fit?
All shall be revealed shortly...
Mainoo boost for Man Utd
Saturday 18 April 2026 18:36 , Mike JonesManchester United could recall Kobbie Mainoo with Michael Carrick admitting “there is a decision to be made” ahead of the crunch clash with Chelsea this weekend.
Mainoo was absent in the defeat to Leeds on Monday, due to a knock picked up in training last week, but Carrick has shared a boost for United at a pivotal time in the season.
"Kobbie is doing little bits, he's working toward it, he's doing bits, so there's a decision to be made,” Carrick said.
Casemiro's sixth sense
Saturday 18 April 2026 18:30 , Mike Jones"He's certainly got the knack and the feeling, and that sense in and around the box," Carrick told MUTV about Casemiro.
"He's got that sixth sense, in some ways that you can't necessarily coach or you can't necessarily always give the perfect moment or the action or the run to fit the cross.
"You've got to put yourself in positions and sense the space and then, obviously, on top of that, to finish it and show the composure.
"I think he's certainly done that this season."
Man United discover outcome of FA charge on Harry Maguire before Chelsea clash
Saturday 18 April 2026 18:24 , Richard JollyHarry Maguire will be suspended for Manchester United’s trip to Chelsea on Saturday after being given a one-match ban for swearing at a fourth official.
It leaves manager Michael Carrick short of available centre-backs for the visit to Stamford Bridge, with Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt also out.
Man United discover outcome of FA charge on Harry Maguire before Chelsea clash
Mount has a future at United
Saturday 18 April 2026 18:18 , Mike JonesCarrick also touched on the future of Mason Mount at Old Trafford and the head coach believes that there is a future for the midfielder at the club.
He said: “There's definitely a place for him, without a doubt. He's obviously working to get fit and finding that [fitness].
“The other night I thought we actually finished the game to a point where we were having some chances as well, so it was: ‘Did we change it, did we not?’
“There's obviously a decision to be made there, but Mason's got a good future here, so I really don't worry about it.”
United to turn to Heaven?
Saturday 18 April 2026 18:12 , Mike JonesWith Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire missing tonight’s game through suspension the most likely replacement at centre-back looks to be Ayden Heaven.
Will he start tonight?
“I think Ayden's in a good place, well I know he's in a good place. He's obviously still young and he's progressing through the early stage of his career really,” Michael Carrick said.
“So, I think it's pretty natural for him to play some games and maybe not some others. He's training really well, he's learning, he's listening, he wants to improve, so I think it's pretty natural for a centre-half of his age, he's probably well ahead of schedule in terms of the games that he's played.
“He's trained well, I've got no worries. He went away and played with England a couple of weeks ago and done well, so yeah, looking forward to the game for sure.”
Manchester United 'disappointed' by Leeds result
Saturday 18 April 2026 18:06 , Mike JonesMichael Carrick was asked how he and his team have reacted since losing to Leeds on Monday.
“To be honest, there's not much we can react to,” Carrick admitted, “Massively disappointed, of course.
“I think quite a few reasons to be disappointed in a big way over those types of situations over the last three weeks, but obviously now we've got to move on, the decisions have been made, it’s something that we're really disappointed with in many ways, but that's it now.
“We've got to move on and we will do.”
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
