Chelsea 0-1 Man Utd: What Rosenior saidpublished at 22:52 BST 18 April
22:52 BST 18 April
Media caption,
Any small mistake we make is being punished - Rosenior
Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior to Match of the Day on how difficult the result was: "It is so difficult. Today they had one shot on target while we were down to 10 men. We had wave after wave of attack and hit the woodwork, I think, four times. I don't want my team to feel things are against us. We have to keep fighting."
On the goal: "We have to defend that moment better. We don't and we get punished. At the moment, any small mistake we are making, and the ball ends up in the back of our net and that has to change.
"It is about results, and we haven't got a result today we should have. "The small things add up, but we have to keep working hard."
On whether he feels under pressure: "No. I put myself under the most pressure. We just have to keep working with the staff and the players to turn things around."
On whether Chelsea can finish in the top five: "Of course."
Did you know?
Chelsea have lost, and failed to score, in each of their last four league games, only in November 1912 have the Blues ever endured a longer run in their league history (5 games).
Chelsea have lost four successive Premier League games for the first time since May 2023, while they've failed to score in four consecutive league matches for the first time since September 2007.
Analysis: Another bad night for the Bluespublished at 22:32 BST 18 April
22:32 BST 18 April
Nizaar Kinsella Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea went into the match after another protest against the club's ownership, with more than 500 supporters chanting against the regime as they marched alongside fans of French club Strasbourg, part of the same multi-club group.
On the pitch, Chelsea started brightly but soon ran into an increasing problem: scoring goals.
This latest defeat means it has been almost six and a half hours since Chelsea last scored, in the 4-1 win at Aston Villa.
In the Premier League, Chelsea have lost five of their past six games, have not won at home in five matches and have won only one of their past eight matches.
It is their sixth home defeat in the league this season, including three in a row, and only in 1994-95 have they lost more games at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have failed to score in each of their past four defeats, their joint longest such barren run since 1912.
Regular starting striker Joao Pedro was ruled out before kick-off with a minor quadriceps injury, while Estevao being forced off compounded the difficulty.
Those called upon have struggled for form, and again failed to deliver in what was close to a must-win match for Chelsea if they were to maintain realistic hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Substitute striker Liam Delap extended his goal drought to 20 games, winger Pedro Neto is without a goal in nine matches across all competitions, Cole Palmer has now gone seven games without scoring, and Estevao's effort against League Two Port Vale two games ago remains his only recent goal. The teenager has not scored in the league since January.
His replacement, summer signing Alejandro Garnacho, who arrived from United for £40m, has not scored a league goal since October.
As well as the three efforts that hit the woodwork, Enzo Fernandez and Palmer wasted presentable chances.
What was once Chelsea's main strength - scoring goals - has become their biggest weakness at the most critical stage of the season.
There remains criticism of the club's goalkeepers and the quality of their defensive options, and questions about how the season has come to a halt when Liam Rosenior has had free midweeks to improve the club's fortunes on the pitch.
However, most of the anger has been directed at the ownership, despite co-owner Behdad Eghbali saying in a rare interview this week that mistakes had been made in recruitment and that more experience may be needed in the league's youngest squad.
Even star midfielder Moises Caicedo renewing his contract cannot detract from a bleak picture at Stamford Bridge.
Those chants of "we want our Chelsea back" went from the streets outside the stadium into the stands during the second half, and the team were booed off at the final whistle.
Chelsea v Man Utd: Team newspublished at 19:05 BST 18 April
19:05 BST 18 April
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez returns to Liam Rosenior's line-up after a two-match suspension, although Moises Caicedo is named captain. Andrey Santos drops to the bench.
Liam Delap starts up front, with Joao Pedro missing out completely.
Defender Trevoh Chalobah is named on the bench, a month since his last Chelsea appearance, against PSG in the Champions League.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Hato, Cucurella, Fernandez, Caicedo, Estevao, Palmer, Pedro Neto, Delap.
Nineteen-year-old Ayden Heaven starts for the first time under Michael Carrick. With Leny Yoro absent, Matthijs de Ligt injured and Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez suspended, Heaven is Michael Carrick's only available recognised central defender.
Kobbie Mainoo and Bryan Mbeumo return as Manuel Ugarte and Amad Diallo drop to the bench.
Eighteen-year-old Jim Thwaites, who played the full 90 minutes and extra-time in United's FA Youth Cup semi-final victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford last night is on the bench for the first time.
Manchester United XI: Lammens, Dalot, Mazraoui, Heaven, Shaw, Casemiro, Mainoo, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha, Sesko.
Sutton's predictions: Chelsea v Man Utdpublished at 12:18 BST 18 April
12:18 BST 18 April
The way Manchester United played against Leeds was like watching the United of old.
Sadly for Michael Carrick, by "old" I mean Ruben Amorim's era, not Sir Alex Ferguson's. United had just had 24 days off, but they were as flat as anything.
This is a bit of a "flat-off", though, because Chelsea are in such poor form too.
I fear for their boss Liam Rosenior after their run of results and also because of his decision to drop Enzo Fernandez against Manchester City.
I can't get that out of my head. Why wouldn't you want one of your best players to play in a big game like that?
Rosenior needs to secure Champions League football and he has got a lot of work to do to get there. I don't fancy his side at the back but if United are as flat again, I can see Chelsea getting back on track - but only just.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Leeds v Wolves" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Brighton", for instance.
Chelsea v Manchester United: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:17 BST 17 April
19:17 BST 17 April
Chris Adams BBC Sport journalist
Chelsea host Manchester United in the Saturday evening kick-off (20:00 BST) in a game that could go a long way to deciding who earns a Champions League place.
Rosenior on the ropes?
The Blues' form has nosedived in recent weeks, with just one win in their last seven Premier League matches, four of which have resulted in defeat.
In fact, both of their most recent wins have come in the FA Cup, against Championship side Wrexham and League One relegation candidates Port Vale.
Add an 8-2 aggregate hammering at the hands of Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain into the mix and head coach Liam Rosenior finds himself under serious scrutiny just three months into the job.
Rosenior acted decisively in banning Enzo Fernandez for two games following comments the Argentina midfielder made in an interview about the possibility of a move to Spain.
Whether the Stamford Bridge faithful agreed with that internal decision or not, one thing that's inescapable is the creative threat Fernandez brings to the table.
Sixth-placed Chelsea have failed to score in their last three league games, a run of 345 minutes without a goal. They haven't gone four top-flight games without finding the net since September 2007 under Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant.
The west London side are looking to arrest a run of three league defeats – only once this century have they lost four games in a row, doing so in April-May 2023 when Frank Lampard was at the helm.
Decisions in defence for Carrick
While he's not struggling to the same extent as his opposite number, Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick suffered the biggest setback of his Old Trafford managerial career in Monday night's 2-1 defeat to Leeds United.
The first half performance, in particular, will be a major worry for Carrick as Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro – starting a league game together as a centre-back duo for the first time – struggled to cope with Dominic Calvert-Lewin's physicality and hold-up play.
Martinez was subsequently sent off for violent conduct after tugging Calvert-Lewin's hair, meaning he is likely to miss the next three games of the run-in.
Coupled with the absence of Harry Maguire, who has received an additional one-match ban for swearing at an official following his red card at Bournemouth last month, and the injured Matthijs de Ligt, Carrick finds himself with a defensive headache.
That could mean an untried pairing of Yoro, 20, and Ayden Heaven, 19, not ideal when you consider United have kept just one clean sheet in their last 21 league away matches.
The Red Devils have won just one of their last four matches but remain third in the table as the battle for the Champions League spots reaches its crescendo. Both teams had a different head coach when United took the spoils with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in September.
Only Bournemouth and Leeds United have drawn more league games than United's 10 this season and this is a fixture that often has little to separate the sides. Chelsea versus Manchester United has ended in a draw more often than any other match-up in Premier League history – some 27 times.
Chelsea owner Eghbali addresses criticismpublished at 19:16 BST 17 April
19:16 BST 17 April
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali flanked by sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart
Chelsea co‑owner Behdad Eghbali changed his tone at CAA's World Congress of Sports event in Los Angeles, addressing mistakes made, acknowledging fan anger and admitting changes needed to be made to their recruitment model.
Regret and humility were features of the conference appearance, which sources say had been in place since the autumn and was not a response to Chelsea Supporters' Trust's open letter or the Not A Project FC group.
However, despite Chelsea's form declining and renewed criticism of the BlueCo project, Eghbali made a rare public appearance to address mistakes and the need for change by reiterating that their desire is to "win" as point one, two and three.
"There is a plan. We reflect on the plan. We try to improve the plan and tweak the plan if it's not working. The message is we're committed. Can this be successful without winning? The answer is no. We've got to win," Eghbali said.
Winning the Conference League was described as a "nice stepping stone", the Club World Cup win was acknowledged as success in a month-long competition and a "nice milestone and great for the fans and squad" but added we hope to repeat that "more consistently".
The co-founder of majority owners Clearlake Capital added Enzo Maresca's mid-season departure was unplanned, explaining: "Getting that stability on the manager side is one of the things we haven't done right yet."
He noted the decision to sack Thomas Tuchel in 2022 "didn't work out so well".
On current head coach Liam Rosenior's future, he continued: "I think we're behind Liam. Of course, it's a results business, but we think he can be successful long term."
On their recruitment, which has been questioned by fans and pundits, he admitted: "I think we've done a few things right, a lot of things right. We've got to be better on a few things, to add more ready-made players at this part of the project, to take (it ) to the next level, to be consistent over time. We recognise we need balance. You tweak a model, you improve, you learn from mistakes."
Adding: "We do have a core (of) good players, global players. Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Levi Colwill, Estevao Willian, Reece James. The view is now that we're here with a great core base, to add some of that experience, to take the team to the next level and have consistency. That fact is not lost on us."
'Questions remain over Fernandez's future'published at 17:09 BST 17 April
17:09 BST 17 April
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Enzo Fernandez returns for Chelsea this weekend, but questions remain over his future at the London club.
The Argentina midfielder, 25, gave three interviews while away with his national side, referring to his desire to one day live in Spain's capital, having been heavily linked with Spanish giants Real Madrid.
That led to a two-match internal ban, jointly decided by head coach Liam Rosenior and the club hierarchy. The suspension has now ended, although not before attempts by Fernandez's agent, Javier Pastore, to have it reduced by a game.
Chelsea's attempts to move on from the episode involving their number eight reflect a desire to steady the situation at an early stage.
Fernandez has 12 goals and six assists this season, placing him behind only striker Joao Pedro for goal involvements, in 46 appearances. He remains regarded internally as a marquee player, with Rosenior offering public praise even while enforcing the ban.
It may be a rational short-term approach, but the longer-term solution is more straightforward: money.
Either Chelsea offer Fernandez a new contract or he attempts to force a move.
"He deserves much more than he is currently earning," Pastore said in a lengthy interview with The Athletic during the international break.
Fernandez is among several players seeking improved terms at Stamford Bridge, alongside Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto, with midfielder Moises Caicedo agreeing a lucrative new deal on Thursday.
Chelsea are hopeful of agreeing one or two more deals before the end of the season.
However, with contract talks on hold until the summer, according to Fernandez's entourage, the alternative scenario is more problematic.
Chelsea sources indicate it would take a substantial fee - close to the club record sale that saw Eden Hazard join Real Madrid in 2019 for an initial £88m rising to £130m in add-ons - for any deal to be considered.
That valuation reflects not only Fernandez's importance on the pitch, but also financial necessity.
In Fernandez's case, Chelsea would need to secure a fee of at least £75m–£77.6m - depending on the timing of a sale - to avoid recording a loss, which would further restrict future spending.
With Fernandez's camp having demonstrated a willingness to take an assertive stance, and the backdrop of a World Cup providing further opportunity to shape the narrative, failure to reach a new agreement would represent a growing concern - despite Rosenior's attempts to project confidence.
Caicedo wants 'legend' status after signing new dealpublished at 15:14 BST 17 April
15:14 BST 17 April
Image source, Getty Images
Moises Caicedo says his "dream" is to become a "Chelsea legend" after extending his contract until 2033.
The 24-year-old, signed for in excess of £100m with bonuses in 2023, has already won the Europa Conference League and Club World Cup with the Blues.
His now-confirmed new contract - which BBC Sport reported on Thursday - has added two years to his initial deal.
"I am so happy to have extended my contract at Chelsea," Caicedo said. "I believe in this team, this club and I know we're going in the right direction. We've only just begun together.
"There is still a lot more to achieve, and I'm very hungry to keep improving every day. I want to win more trophies with Chelsea and give everything for this club and for the fans.
"We have enjoyed some great times together already and my dream is to become a Chelsea legend, and I will work as hard as possible to make that happen."
BBC Sport broke news of Caicedo's deal on Thursday and you can read fan reaction a little lower on this page.
Chelsea and Strasbourg have 'blind trust' in placepublished at 13:32 BST 17 April
13:32 BST 17 April
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea and Strasbourg, which are both owned by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, have measures in place should they qualify for the same European competition.
According to public documents, board-level changes have been made at the French club, while senior sources have confirmed that a "blind trust" structure – commonly used to meet multi‑club ownership rules in European football – was put in place before Uefa's compliance deadline to ensure the clubs meet regulations.
The Uefa Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) would ultimately decide in the summer whether those changes satisfy its requirements. Under Uefa rules, if a club is excluded from European competition due to non‑compliance, it would be the team that finishes lower in its domestic league.
If Chelsea and Strasbourg were to qualify for the same European competition, the two clubs would also be prevented from conducting transfer business between each other during the 2026‑27 season, having completed 12 deals between them this campaign.
Chelsea's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League have faded following three consecutive Premier League defeats. They currently sit sixth, four points off the top five, and risk ending up in the Europa League next season.
Strasbourg, meanwhile, have three potential routes into the Europa League. The French side could qualify through a top‑five or top‑six Ligue 1 finish, or by winning either the Coupe de France or the Conference League, having reached the semi‑finals of both competitions.
There is also a scenario in which both clubs qualify for the Conference League, while Strasbourg's chances of reaching the Champions League remain mathematically possible but unlikely.
Speaking at CAA's World Congress of Sports event in Los Angeles, Chelsea co‑owner Behdad Eghbali said he believed regulatory reform was needed to allow further investment within multi‑club ownership structures.
"We do think there needs to be more regulatory reform to enable multi‑club ownership," Eghbali was quoted as saying by Sports Business Journal.
James: Good that he has signed, but I'm not sure about such long contracts. It looks like a great bit of business on the surface and protects an asset. However, from a financial point of view, how does this sit with other players who want parity? Could this cause a rift?
Carl: Absolutely critical. He's the lynchpin of the team. The new N'Golo Kante.
Emmanuel: Extending Caciedo's contract is good for the team and it commits him to the team long-term, which will fend off other teams. What matters now is for Liam Rosenior to return the team to winning ways, or make way for someone who will return the team to the Abramovich era.
Gary: This is really positive news as our season appears to be falling apart.
Kenny: It will be a very big plus for Chelsea, it will make him committed to the club, warding off other clubs interested in his services.
Steve: Will make very little difference. Chelsea are a selling club. If a big offer came in he would likely be released and replaced with a 17-year-old academy prospect. Rinse, repeat etc, etc.
Colwill returns for Chelsea after work behind the scenespublished at 11:02 BST 17 April
11:02 BST 17 April
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Levi Colwill returned to training one month ago
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is set to make his return in a behind-closed-doors friendly for the club's Under-21 side on Friday.
The Under-21s are preparing for the play-offs, having finished top of Premier League 2.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old is unlikely play in Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester United, but he has spent several weeks training fully with the first team as he steps up his recovery from a serious knee injury suffered in August.
Those close to Colwill say the rehabilitation process has been both mentally and physically demanding, marking the first major injury of his career.
There have, however, been positives during his time away from competitive action.
Colwill has worked closely with a restructured medical department and is understood to have enjoyed the new environment under head of performance Bryce Kavanagh, who was involved in a public disagreement with head coach Enzo Maresca in December.
The England international has also focused on his off-field development during his recovery. Colwill has spoken privately about wanting to improve his mentality and has spent time reading self-improvement books, including Atomic Habits by James Clear and Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim Grover, the latter of which he took with him to the Club World Cup success last summer.
Head coach Liam Rosenior believes Colwill is likely to return to action before the end of the season, although he is expected to be eased back with limited minutes initially.
Chelsea remain in contention for Champions League qualification through the Premier League, are still competing in the FA Cup and, while considered unlikely, there is also the possibility of Colwill being involved in England's squad for the World Cup finals this summer.
Gossip: Colwill set to commit long-term future to Chelseapublished at 07:33 BST 17 April
07:33 BST 17 April
England defender Levi Colwill, 23, is set to follow Ecuadorian team-mate Moises Caicedo, 24, in signing a new long-term contract with Chelsea. (Times - subscription required), external
