Enzo Maresca expressed surprise at Ruben Amorim's tactics and noted that Manchester United are adept at facing top-tier teams.

Maresca celebrated enthusiastically with his staff at full-time after Marc Cucurella's header secured a crucial victory for Chelsea, boosting their Champions League qualification hopes.

"The reason I was so elated at the end is because United defeated City away, drew with City at home, drew with Liverpool, drew with Arsenal, and drew with us," he explained.

"They know how to compete against big teams. I anticipated a very challenging match.

"I was particularly pleased because we managed to beat a team that has proven difficult to overcome against sides like Arsenal, Liverpool, and City."

Manchester United posed significant challenges to Chelsea in possession, especially during the first half.

Maresca added: "We faced difficulties on the ball as we didn't anticipate such intense man-to-man aggression. I've reviewed five, six, or seven of their games, and I've never seen them press so aggressively man-to-man.

"They caught us off guard with that approach. Overall, between the first and second halves, we generated sufficient opportunities to merit the win."