The Blues are up to sixth after a fourth straight win.
The win puts eighth-placed United level on 53 points with Newcastle in seventh.
BRIGHTON, England (AP) — Christopher Nkunku inflated a blue balloon and held it between his lips to celebrate his second-half goal in a 2-1 win for Chelsea at Brighton in the Premier League on Wednesday. The France striker’s 64th-minute strike added to Cole Palmer’s 22nd goal of the campaign in the 34th minute at Amex Stadium as Chelsea claimed its fourth straight victory to boost ambitions of qualifying for a European competition next season. Chelsea moved three points behind fifth-place Totten
Both clubs are hoping to secure European qualification for the 2024/25 season