Frank Lampard has issued a warning to incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochetinno after a humiliating night for the interim manager at Old Trafford.
After a run of just one win in nine matches since Lampard took charge back in April, the Blues were out to halt Manchester United’s quest for a top four finish on Thursday.
But they failed woefully after missing a couple of chances through Mykhaylo Mudryk and Kai Havertz in the first-half, the visitors were then blown away as Erik ten Hag’s side ran riot.
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First-half goals from Casemiro and Anthony Martial were supplemented after the break by a Fernandes penalty and Rashford’s late strike.
A solo effort from Joao Felix failed to mask Chelsea’s latest horror show, leaving the club 12th in the Premier League table going into the last day.
Indeed, the task ahead of Pochetinno this summer appears more sizeable by the week. And speaking after the game, a furious Lampard had a reality check for his successor as he discussed the need to elevate the club on all fronts.
“It’s a bad year for the club. The important thing is you get to the bottom of how it improves,” he said. “It needs a rebuild, the club will move on in the summer in terms of the squad. Things need to improve to get to the level.”
But, he stopped short of offering any advice to the Argentinian, adding: “To come in without a pre-season and assess, it’s probably not my time to give my opinions. It’ll be someone else’s decisions and a pre-season and start and look will be imperative.”
Despite the huge spending of owner Todd Boehly, Chelsea are on track for their worst top-flight finish since the 1993/94 campaign, when they finished 14th under Glen Hoddle.
And ahead of a tough home match with Newcastle United on the last day, Lampard was defiant about his second spell in charge of the club.
“I love working for this club and that’s not changed from the moment I’ve been here.” he said.
