Manchester United beat Chelsea by a one-sided scoreline to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
The Red Devils scored two goals in each half before Chelsea netted a consolation, with the game ending 4-1.
United sit in third place, with a game at home to Fulham on Sunday. Manager Erik ten Hag always sets high standards and will want another strong performance, even if he rotates the team at the weekend.
Gary Neville felt Manchester United fell behind these standards against Chelsea in the first half after Casemiro scored the opener.
Gary Neville on Manchester United
Former Manchester United stalwart Gary Neville felt Manchester United’s first half display was not good enough.
Chelsea created several chances, with Kai Havertz heading wide from close range and Conor Gallagher also shooting narrowly wide.
A better team, namely City, would likely have punished this poor defending, and United can’t afford to make a spell like that at Wembley in the FA Cup final.
Neville told Sky Sports: “The habits tonight, this wont be far off the team which plays against Manchester City in 10 days.
“He’ll be furious at half time with the standards, some of the play, the defending.
“He always wants his players to get on the ball and dominate possession, they’ve been nowhere near good enough on the ball, sloppy in defensive work as well.”
Anthony Martial scored just before half-time to double United’s lead heading into the break and this pretty much killed off the contest.
The second half was like a different team. Whether this was United stepping up a gear, or Chelsea slinking into their shells, it mattered little.
United went to 4-0 up before Chelsea scored a consolation at the end. Bruno Fernandes also hit the woodwork while Alejandro Garnacho almost scored himself. It could have been six or seven.
While Ten Hag may not have been happy in the first half, he will have been delighted with the way the team responded for the second 45.
In booking a Champions League place for next season, United have accomplished their season target, also winning a trophy. Let’s see if we can add another.