Manchester United 2 Chelsea 0: Conte holds hands up as Blues falter

United took a big leap towards the top four with the win over Chelsea, and in doing so re-opened the Premier League title race.

United doubled their advantage four minutes into the second half, with Herrera - dismissed in last month's FA Cup meeting between the sides - the scorer on this occasion.

United just did not allow that to happen, because they were constantly in Chelsea's faces.

MANCHESTER, England (AP) - A tactical masterclass from Jose Mourinho ensured the path to the English Premier League title will no longer be a procession for his former club, Chelsea.

It started from the front, where Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard never stopped pestering the Blues defence, and Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini and Herrera seemed to win every meaningful battle in midfield.

"They had everything to play for in that they are striving for that Champions League place, which I have always felt they will get, and have a manager who is quite good technically and tactically", he added.

"I said it all along that, when he was coming through the youth team and reserves, you could see there was something special about him, " Young said.

The win moves United, who are now 22 league games unbeaten, up to fifth, four points behind Manchester City with a game in hand.

United, meanwhile, will approach Thursday's Europa League quarterfinal second leg at home to Anderlecht, which is poised at 1-1, on the back of their best display under Mourinho.

A lot has been said about how we want to finish fourth but. "Yes, I think. But he needs to give me things that I like very much".

Conte described his side's closing games of the season as "six finals" but believes that Spurs have as good a chance of lifting the trophy as they do. "They showed more desire, more ambition, more motivation to win", he told reporters.

Regarding performances, this is by far, their best campaign since Sir Alex Ferguson's final season at the helm.

Chelsea was without first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was injured, and wing back Marcos Alonso pulled out of the game during the warm-up after suffering from a virus during the week.

Rashford snatched at a shot when United got their first sight of goal, but coolly made amends soon after.

Herrera has emerged as a key player under Mourinho, starting 23 of the United's 31 league fixtures this season.

Going to West Brom will be tricky too, because I am pretty sure Baggies boss Tony Pulis will set up exactly the same way he did against Liverpool on Sunday.