By KBC Associate 
England defender Harry Maguire had a masterful first-half finish ruled out for offside as Manchester United were denied an early lead at Chelsea in the Premier League on Friday.
Maguire, who headed United’s last-gasp extra-time winner against Lyon in the Champions League quarter-finals, met Bruno Fernandes’ delivery from the right with a thunderous first-time strike inside the box before his celebrations were eventually deemed futile following a Video Assistant Referee and semi-automated offside check.
“So close,” former England striker Alan Smith told Sky Sports. “But the decision to go to semi-automated is a move for the better. It’s more accurate.”
Harry Maguire’s goal for Manchester United is ruled out for offside after a VAR review ❌ pic.twitter.com/c08ipXLeIS
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 16, 2025
Chelsea vs Man United
Maguire was one of five returning players for United alongside goalkeeper Andre Onana, defenders Victor Lindelof and Patrick Dorgu and midfielder Casemiro.
“He took that one like a centre forward,” observed Smith. “Man United are playing like the better team and they’ve put some good crosses in there.
“But it’s tight on offside. Is he leaning into that position? He took it well on the half-volley. You can’t give Fernandes that kind of space. Chelsea have looked vulnerable on crosses.”
Will Chelsea qualify for the Champions League?
Chelsea must match Aston Villa’s result at home to Tottenham on Friday, which kicked off 45 minutes earlier, to stay above the Villans, who started the evening in sixth place.
Victory would move them level on points with third-placed Newcastle ahead of a potentially crucial trip to Nottingham Forest in their final game of the campaign on May 25 (16:00 GMT).
“This group, they don’t know how to compete!” 🫣
Roy Keane is adamant that Manchester United’s players don’t understand “the demands of playing for Man Utd” 😬 pic.twitter.com/LYnzbNFlYd
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 16, 2025
Forest, who were a point behind Chelsea at the start of play on Friday, visit West Ham on Sunday (14:15 GMT), and their encounter with Enzo Maresca’s side could decide which of the two clubs qualifies for the Champions League next season.
Man United: Europa League final awaits
United cannot finish higher than 13th after a dismal domestic campaign that has included 17 league defeats, with Ruben Amorim unable to inspire his players to consistent form since the Portuguese’s arrival in November.
They have not won at Chelsea since February 2020 but threatened on several occasions early on at Stamford Bridge, more closely resembling the team with a greater incentive to win.
The Red Devils could have been forgiven for being distracted by their Europa League final against Tottenham in Bilbao on Wednesday (20:00), with the prize of Champions League qualification for the winners.