Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has described his team's 1-0 victory over Manchester United as a "difficult" encounter, highlighting the unexpected aggressive approach from the Red Devils.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Maresca revealed he was surprised by United's intensity, stating he had "never watched them so aggressive" despite studying multiple games in preparation.

"It was quite confident because I know how difficult it is to play against United," Maresca said. "We expected a very tough game. They played very well."

"I used to watch five, six, seven games when we play against a team. I have never watched them [Man Utd] so aggressive – they were man to man, and it was very difficult."

The decisive moment came in the second half when Marc Cucurella continued his impressive goal-scoring form by netting what proved to be the winner for Chelsea.

Despite United's strong performance, Maresca believed his team deserved the three points, praising their defensive organization and pressing intensity.

"Off the ball I think we played a fantastic game. The team was very aggressive until the end, we tried to press higher, and I think we deserved to win the game," the Chelsea manager added.

The victory significantly boosts Chelsea's chances of securing a top-five finish in the Premier League, which would guarantee them Champions League football next season.

With just a few matches remaining in the season, this hard-fought win could prove crucial in Chelsea's quest for European qualification under Maresca's leadership.