Chelsea’s woes continue as United knock them out of FA Cup

Chelsea 0 Man Utd 2

Chelsea’s miserable spell continued with an FA Cup exit – increasing the pressure on Maurizio Sarri.

Ander Herrera’s goal just after the half-hour mark put Manchester United ahead in the fifth-round clash at Stamford Bridge, where Paul Pogba doubled their lead in first-half injury time.

The sloppy defending which has blighted Chelsea’s season was evident yet again.

After neat build-up play by the visitors, Pogba delivered a fine cross from the left and Herrera drifted between David Luiz and Marcos Alonso to head in from close range.

A cross from the opposite flank resulted in the second goal.

It was delivered by Marcus Rashford, with Pogba arriving between Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger to nod home.

Both teams had threatened during a lively opening 25 minutes.

Romelu Lukaku blasted over early on and fellow former Chelsea man Juan Mata then created a chance for United with a lovely ball in to Chris Smalling, who headed straight at keeper Kepa.

United keeper Romero was then called into action, producing a double save to palm away Luiz’s free-kick and Pedro’s volleyed attempt to fire in the rebound.

Chelsea continued to press and Eden Hazard steered a right-footed shot wide after cleverly exchanging passes with Alonso near the edge of the penalty area.

United responded, with Herrera’s strike bringing a save from Kepa, before Gonzalo Higuain missed a decent chance for Chelsea by heading Azpilicueta’s cross wide of the target.

Herrera, though, made no mistake when his chance came and Pogba’s goal put United in control.

Sarri’s side tried to find a way back in the second half but United defended superbly.

And the home crowd turned on head coach Sarri when he made a strange-looking late substitution, bringing Davide Zappacosta on for Azpilicueta.

Callum Hudson-Odoi remained on the bench, again overlooked.