Manchester United’s dismal end to the 2024-25 Premier League campaign continued on Thursday night as a lifeless performance at Stamford Bridge saw the Reds fall 1-0 to Chelsea — extending their winless run in the league to a staggering eight games.

Marc Cucurella’s second-half header proved the difference, nodding in from close range after Reece James, returning from injury and captaining Chelsea, left Alejandro Garnacho for dead with a clever turn and cross. It was a moment that encapsulated United’s performance — slow, second-best, and defensively disorganised.

Despite Chelsea’s own high-stakes pressure in the top-four race — especially after Aston Villa beat Spurs earlier in the day — it was United who looked like the side with nothing to play for. The hunger, intensity, and ambition fans expect were nowhere to be seen. Instead, Ruben Amorim’s men once again lacked ideas in possession and offered little resistance without the ball.

United started the night in 16th — an astonishing fall for a club of this stature — and that’s exactly where they remain, now on their worst run of league form since the Premier League began.

Chelsea dominated play but couldn’t break down United’s defence, as the Blues lacked the firepower of Nicolas Jackson.

Cucurella’s 71st minute header settled nerves at Stamford Bridge, as the Blues moved back into 5th place ahead of the final game of the season.

Chelsea will visit Nottingham Forest in the final game of the season, and a win will be enough to secure Chelsea’s place in the Champions League next season.