LONDON - Chelsea faces another tense 90 minutes next weekend at Nottingham Forest without Nicolas Jackson.

The Blues beat Manchester United 1-0 on Friday, which almost qualified them for the Champions League, but it was the product of an unwavering, often crazi night.

The goal in the 71st minute was from one defender to another. A wonderful skill from Reece James creates a vacancy that passes the ball into the box, and Marc Cucurella ticks a head on André Onana.

United boss Ruben Amorim is a supporter of the defender game that would have approved it. England's boss Thomas Tuchel will also watch his habitual baseball cap in the stands at Stamford Bridge. Previously, he was Chelsea's manager and he also praised the strengths of attacking defenders, especially James, who hit the post in the first half with a lofty effort on the edge of the box.

Otherwise, Chelsea's quality will be very little. Cole Palmer played football earlier in Noni Madueke, but he could only work hard in the bar. Palmer's deflection shot forced Onana into a breakout, but Blues was largely seen as an offensive threat.

And, by one, Manchester United continues to get unwanted records: this is their 17th Premier League defeat in a season, which will end with their fewest wins (currently 10) and fewest points (currently 39).

It was an unwelcome return to West London for Mason Mount, with Chelsea fans unhappy with his decision to trade the blue to red, when the club offered him a contract in 2023.

Of course, all Manchester United's eyes are on Wednesday's Europa League final against Tottenham. Chelsea has its own Europa Conference League vs Real Betis – now is the moment around Enzo Maresca.

If Chelsea can win, the Champions League qualification will be a year ahead of schedule, which will be a huge boost for Maresca, who is still struggling to win Chelsea’s loyal victory, as evidenced by their lack of play.

Jackson's red card at Newcastle last weekend meant he was suspended and will be reopened on Sunday's last day. Although the 23-year-old hasn't silenced all doubters, his 12 goals in all games is a useful contribution, and Maresca repeatedly quotes Jackson's unrivaled urgency in his team.

With Christopher Nkunku fighting for fitness and being eliminated again, Maresca chose to start 19-year-old Tyrique George for the first time in the Premier League. It was a big call based on his 9th desire to run behind Manchester United's five-man defense, but he worked hard to influence the game. He had only six touches in the first half, only 14 in his 81 minutes on the court.

Other options for Maresca – using Palmer or Pedro Neto throughout the middle – may not be ideal, but their greater experience may make this evening more comfortable. The Italian made an active spin on George's contribution, and when he landed in front of Onana under the 61st minute challenge, he was just trying to overturn referee Chris Kavanagh's initial fine.

"(George) is very good, very good," Maresca said. "Brave. He is a threat. It's not easy for him because on the other hand (Harry) Maguire (Harry), you have (Victor) Lindelver, you have (Luke) Shaw. He's fighting a big defender. But we're trying to find a solution with a player's academy, and overall he also has a penalty moment for punishment, so he's working very well."

If needed, does he show enough to play in the forest? “Absolutely, 100%,” Maresca said.

To be fair, Solution 9 is difficult to achieve. Look at Manchester United, who endured another anonymous show by Rasmus Højlund, actually the best end of the night came from centre-back Maguire, who had his 16th minute cross only ruled out targets in tight var comments when he fired from Bruno Fernandes.

On Højlund, Amorim said: "I'm glad. Of course, all the teams have to improve, but the way he runs, he fights for every ball, loses a lot of duels, wins some duels. He needs to improve the connection, but he's improving others, but he's really satisfied, so I really need to keep working hard and having a better day."

Both clubs hope to step up their offense this summer. Both are interested in Liam Delap of Ipswich town. Whichever team can provide football for the Champions League, and it is likely that he will eventually win his signature.

"I think this is where the club belongs in the Champions League," James said. "Entertain the best game. People like to free us and call us without experience. We play against an experienced Manchester United team today. We are there, we win the game. We get everything we need to do."

Maresca admitted on Thursday that Chelsea is working on how to work without Jackson. They beat Manchester United, but the search continues.