Manchester United leaves Chelsea facing a significant challenge to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

LONDON — Liam Rosenior stated that Chelsea face “a mountain to climb” in their pursuit of Champions League qualification following their 1-0 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday.

Matheus Cunha netted with United’s sole shot on target at Stamford Bridge, marking Chelsea’s fourth consecutive Premier League loss without finding the net for the first time since March 1998.

This outcome positions Rosenior’s squad sixth in the standings, four points adrift of fifth-place Liverpool, who have a match in hand.

“It presents us with a mountain to climb,” Rosenior remarked.

“It’s not impossible, but it presents us with a mountain to climb, and we must approach the Brighton match on Tuesday with the mindset that we need to secure a victory to kick-start the remainder of our season.”

In contrast, Michael Carrick and United solidified their standing in the Champions League spots with five matches remaining.

The performance was particularly commendable as Carrick had to utilize a makeshift center-back duo of Ayden Heaven and Noussair Mazraoui due to injuries and suspensions.

“It was a significant win for us tonight,” Carrick commented.

“Navigating through the suspensions and injuries, along with Leny [Yoro] withdrawing quite late, required us to adapt.

“The players deserve immense credit for that, as do the coaches, for assembling the plan and adjusting over the past few days to ensure everyone was prepared.

“There are many aspects to be proud of tonight.”