Ruben Amorim needs miracles to save Man Utd after another defeat against nervy Chelsea

It will go right to the wire. But have got their fate back in their own hands after a topsy turvy night at Stamford Bridge. was the unlikely hero with a 71st minute winner to push Chelsea back up to fourth and to leave European qualification on a knife edge.

It was Cucurella’s fifth goal of the season and yet this could be his most precious of all with a prize of playing on Europe’s biggest stage at stake.

They now have to go to Nottingham Forest on the final day knowing that victory will put them in next season’s Champions League. It was a rollercoaster because Chelsea do look like a bag of nerves and struggled to break down ’s stubborn resistance.

United of course still have the Europa League final and a passport into the Champions League if they can beat Tottenham in Bilbao in five days’ time. This was hardly great preparation for United because it is now eight Premier League games without a win for ’s men.

But they have put all their eggs in the Champions League basket even if they really went for it at Stamford Bridge as Amorim clearly wants his players fresh and fired up rather than rested. You also cannot fault the Manchester United fans for their unwavering support and belief.

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The travelling faithful chanted Ruben Amorim’s name with their now familiar song about the United boss bringing back the glory days and turning the club around.

On this evidence, Amorim will also need to be a miracle worker because, despite a bright start in both halves, they do look an unruly rabble lacking in direction.

United were near full strength and thought they had gone ahead after 15 minutes when Bruno Fernandes whipped a brilliant, teasing ball into the box, Harry Maguire steered it into the net but VAR intervened to give the tightest of offside decisions.

It was fast and furious as Reece James’ brilliant 20 yard drive hit the outside of the post with United keeper Andre Onana beaten all ends up.

The home fans were booing United’s ex-Chelsea star Mason Mount’s every touch after his defection to Old Trafford two years ago and they were giving their own keeper similar treatment.

Mount missed a big chance and Chelsea were far from in charge as the away fans cheered their men on. Chelsea fans are getting restless and even Cole Palmer could not break the deadlock when his curling 20 yard shot was saved by Andre Onana.

United had almighty scare when referee Chris Kavanagh pointed to the spot after Onana appeared to upend Chelsea youngster Tyrique George but VAR overturned it.

Chelsea were getting desperate - and then Cucurella stepped up. With England boss Thomas Tuchel looking on, James turned and created some space on the edge of the box. James’ floated cross found Cucurella headed into the far corner for a brilliant and priceless winner.

Noni Madueke missed a big chance to make it 2-0 and settle nerves but you get the feeling that this will be a nail biting finish to the season no matter what. At least now Chelsea have their fate in their own hands.

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