Man United player ratings: Cunha on target with midfield duo crucial in beating Chelsea

Matheus Cunha got the winning goal as Manchester United got a massive win away to Chelsea in the fight for Champions League places.

Michael Carrick has now won games against four of the top six and this win moves United closer to a return to the Champions League, with the gap between them and Chelsea now at 10 points with just five games remaining.

Chelsea had edged the first half but United struck just before the break with Bruno Fernandes crossing for Cunha.

That proved to be enough as United dug deep after the break to hold on to victory.

Senne Lammens: Could have held a weak Enzo Fernandez shot in the first half that led to Chelsea's disallowed goal and a spiralling mis-kick in the second half. He had little to do in the game. 6

Diogo Dalot: Would have been familiar with the problems Garnacho poses and showed he knew how to handle him. Bullied him into submission in front of the away end, which went down very well. 8

Noussair Mazraoui: A different kind of challenge as a central defender in a back four and he did well. Combative in the air and solid on the ground. 7

Ayden Heaven: Got away with an early foul on Cole Palmer right on the edge of the box, but settled after an excellent challenge on Liam Delap and was good in the second half. 6

Luke Shaw: Found Pedro Neto and Palmer on his flank fairly often but showed his experience to try and get help and do what he can. Generally solid but some lapses in concentration. 6

Casemiro: Some key defensive headers and read the game well in the second half. He is a key player in this second half of the season both defensively and his goals in attack. 8

Kobbie Mainoo: Could make an argument that this was one of his best games defensively. Won the ball back a couple of times and was well-positioned to intercept. Pick-pocketed Palmer at one point. 7

Bryan Mbeumo: Much better for his rest and looked livelier than he has done for a while. One sharp break down the right deserved more than a heavy touch from Cunha. 6

Bruno Fernandes: Crossing had been a little wayward before his superb assist just before half-time. Could have got another in the second half, but counterattacks weren't always sharp. 7

Matheus Cunha: Wasted one good chance with a poor touch but showed he had learnt when finishing with his first touch from Fernandes' cross. Grew in stature after that. 7

Benjamin Sesko: His role in Cunha's goal went under the radar, with his strength helping to occupy Moises Caicedo and stop him from either intercepting the cross or getting closer to Cunha. 7

Mason Mount: Booed on his return to Stamford Bridge and got stuck in. 7

Amad: Little time to make an impact. 6

Joshua Zirkzee: Arrived late on. 6

Subs not used: Altay Bayindir, Tyrell Malacia, Manuel Ugarte, Tyler Fletcher, Jim Thwaites, Shea Lacey