Chelsea wrapped up a sensational fifth successive Women’s Super League title by thrashing Manchester United at Old Trafford in Emma Hayes’ final game in charge.
The Blues knew a large scoreline might be required to win the title as they led rival Manchester City by goal difference at the top of the table going into the final day.
And with so much at stake, Chelsea’s players delivered with a ruthlessness that United could never match at Old Trafford.
British record signing Mayra Ramirez produced an outstanding individual display, scoring twice and assisting the other two as Hayes’ side went in at the break with a 4-0 lead.
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Sjoeke Nusken, Melanie Leupolz, and Fran Kirby added to Ramirez’s dazzling double as Chelsea romped to victory.
It was the perfect farewell for Hayes, who was full of emotion on a remarkable afternoon in Manchester, capping off his 12-year career at the Blues in style.
United legend Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Dave Brailsford, the representatives of new minority owners Ineos, were in the directors box watching on as United barely laid a glove on the champions.
Aside from Maya Le Tissier’s header, which bounced off the crossbar with United already trailing 2-0, and a terrible miss from close range by Lucia Garcia late on, Marc Skinner’s side failed to create much to trouble Chelsea.
Hayes, who leaves to manage the United States women’s national team, bowed out to the familiar sound of 3,000 travelling fans chanting “Chelsea, champions” and with a 14th major trophy at the club.
