We entered tonight’s game at Stamford Bridge knowing two wins from our final two league matches of the season would all but guarantee a top-five finish and ensure a return to Europe’s premier club competition next term.

United made it difficult for Maresca’s side, but a moment of magic from captain Reece James unlocked the visiting defence and enabled Marc Cucurella to head home and ensure we claimed a vital three points.

The result leaves Chelsea fourth in the Premier League table, and with the knowledge that a win at Nottingham Forest next week should be enough to seal a Champions League return.

‘We've said many times that talent alone is not enough,' the Chelsea head coach reflected. 'You also need to add the effort. The effort tonight was unbelievable from all of the players. We are happy tonight.

‘For me, the club, and the fans, it was an important win. The way I celebrated [at the end of the game] is because we had two games to go and it’s important to win the game.

'I said today to the players, United beat City at home, drew with them at home, drew with Liverpool, drew with Arsenal, they know how to play big games. So it was very difficult to win the game tonight.’

The battle to claim a Champions League place will go down to the final day, but Maresca insists he will only be focused on what his side must do at the City Ground. There will be no attention paid to other results across the division this weekend.

‘The focus has been on us because we knew that winning both games means we finish well,' he said.

'We won tonight, now it’s not about pressure or anyone else. It’s about us again. We need to be focused, prepare the game in the best way, and try to win the last game.’