Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha struck just before halftime to earn a 1-0 victory at Chelsea on Saturday, taking them a big step closer to UEFA Champions League football next season.
Cunha fired home from a pinpoint Bruno Fernandes cross with the visitors’ first and only shot on target in the 43rd minute.
Carrick’s side resisted waves of Chelsea attacks, with the home side hitting the woodwork three times through Estevao, Liam Delap and Wesley Fofana.
Chelsea’s failure to find the net despite 21 shots to United’s four condemned them to their fourth league defeat in a row without scoring and opened a 10-point gap between the sides.
“With suspension and injuries we had to adapt,” Manchester United interim coach Michael Carrick told reporters. “There’s a lot to be proud of tonight. The way we defended … I love when you see players thrive in their moments.”
Manchester United moved to 58 points ahead of Aston Villa on 55 and Liverpool with 52, though both have a game in hand. For Chelsea, they remain sixth on the Premier League table with 48 points.
Saturday’s Premier League results
Brentford 0-0 Fulham
Leeds 3-0 Wolves
Newcastle 1-2 Bournemouth
Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Brighton
Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United.