Featured Image Credit: Alamy / Sky Sports
Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Liverpool, Premier League, Champions League, Europa League
Ryan Smart
Topics: Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Liverpool, Premier League, Champions League, Europa League
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes aimed a small dig at Liverpool after his side confirmed their place in next season's Champions League group stage.
Their 4-1 win over Chelsea on Thursday meant that they did so at the expense of Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp's side hoping their fierce rivals would taste defeat against the Blues and keep them in the top four race on the final day of the season.
But that didn't happen, with United going ahead in six minutes through Casemiro. And although Chelsea had opportunities, they were not able to get back into the game.
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Erik ten Hag's side went 2-0 up shortly before half-time, Anthony Martial netting a much-needed goal after a difficult run of form.
A Fernandes penalty and a strike from Marcus Rashford made it 4-0, before Joao Felix scored a late consolation for Chelsea.
United are now guaranteed to finish in the top four as a result of the win, and will finish in third should they beat Fulham on the last day of the season on Sunday.
Speaking after the game, Fernandes gave a cheeky response when asked about the relevance of Liverpool missing out on Champions League football instead of United.
In his post-match interview on the Old Trafford pitch, the Portuguese midfielder admitted to Sky Sports: "We know that means a lot, for us it's about getting our goals completed so we did.
"Obviously, we knew they [the fans] would be happy for Liverpool to not be there, but for us it's not about that. It's getting the best we can for ourselves because we have to look after ourselves."
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The Reds will play Europa League football next season for the first time since 2016 - despite winning seven of their last eight Premier League games.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah put out an emotional post on social media after the game, apologising to the fans for not finishing in the top four places.
It is likely to be a summer of change for the Reds, with four players - three of those midfielders - already released.
United will also hope to do big business now their Champions League spot has been secured, with Tottenham striker Harry Kane top of their transfer agenda. However, The Athletic claim their summer budget will be £100 million - even if a takeover of the club from the Glazer family takes place.