Chelsea gave their hopes of playing Champions League football next season a huge boost as Marc Cucurella's second-half header saw off Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues needed to win to ensure a top-five finish was in their own hands, but for a large part of Friday's game they were frustrated by the visitors.
However, Cucurella headed in Reece James' excellent cross to secure a win that moves Chelsea up to fourth place in the Premier League.
They sit above Aston Villa on goal difference and a point clear of sixth-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
Although his team have a crucial game against Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday, United boss Ruben Amorim named a strong side for this trip to west London.
It looked like the decision would pay off when Harry Maguire fired home an excellent volley in the first half, but it was ruled out for offside after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR).
Chelsea's James then hit the left post with a swirling effort before the break, and the Blues thought they had a penalty in the second half when Tyrique George went down inside the box as Andre Onana rushed out to push away the ball.
A spot-kick was given initially but then ruled out after a VAR check as replays showed Onana got the ball first.
But the home fans were celebrating soon after when James expertly curled a delivery to the far post from the right and Cucurella rose to guide a header beyond Onana.
Chelsea will travel to Nottingham Forest on the final day of the season knowing they can guarantee Champions League football in 2025-26 with a win.
Defeat for Amorim's United, meanwhile, was their 18th in 37 Premier League games and leaves them 16th in the table.
Line-ups
Chelsea XI: Adarabioyo, Cucurella, Reece James, Robert Sánchez, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Madueke, Enzo, Caicedo, Colwill, Tyrique George
Subs: Bettinelli, Trevoh Chalobah, Dewsbury-Hall, Badiashile, Jørgensen, Gusto, Lavia, Josh Acheampong, Aarón Anselmino
Man Utd XI: Casemiro, Lindelof, Maguire, Luke Shaw, Bruno Fernandes, Onana, Mount, Mazraoui, Amad Diallo Traore, Højlund, Patrick Dorgu
Subs: Eriksen, Altay Bayındır, Ugarte, Garnacho, Collyer, Mainoo, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Harry Amass
Emperorqu
217
Give him like pls. He deserves it
cheriivicky
132
this guy is something else 😳 he was everywhere
SEAN-DRE-OCHIM
92
moi moi is his new name
Richardoghale
80
Captain fantastic, you can't hate the best right back in the world
Kiaadekpz
66
The way Spurs and Man United play these days, we are going to see 👀 both teams losing in the EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL for the first time in history. 😂😂😂😂😂😂
VIKINGSB
64
GENERAL KANTE IN THE MAKING!...
kameerl
57
Caicedo appreciation Post, like if you're true blue. 💙 Delicious food for the day 😋
cheriivicky
41
Important 3 points but let's be honest. Chelsea were total garbage except for one good play. Playing like that against a 16th place team doesn't deserve a place in the Champions League.
Codilra
31
GIF link Here: http://www.goalgif.xyz/v2/live/matchGifs?match_id=53877133&language=en
kingpromise7
30
HERE WE GO : Todd Boehly Employs a new Cleaner at the brigdge
tutekntuz
23
Caicedo is seriously cooking everyday and night
Wiszybae
18
May ManU never happen to you in this life! And may Cucurella always be there for you at your point need.
EmeraldJ
17
We are waiting to see what sort of game Relegation Powerhouses (Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur) are gonna play at the Europa League final... Anyways, even among the two failures there must be a winner that day
willysmart07
14
Reece James with a spin turn Assist
Herdural
12
The two Europa League finalists loss tonight Based on their performance tonight if you are asked to choose between Man U And Tottenham who will win the Europa I will choose AND 😂
tutekntuz
7
A fit James is something else, an assist that is more beautiful than goal itself
SEAN-DRE-OCHIM
8
If Man U maintains this performance, they will win the England championship in the coming season's.