Chelsea's season is spiraling as they face a potential Champions League miss after a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United. The Blues have lost six of their last eight matches, leaving them seven points behind Liverpool with just five games remaining. Paul Merson questions what the club's project actually is under pressure mounting on head coach Liam Rosenior.

With only two wins in 15 games, Rosenior's position looks increasingly precarious. The former Strasbourg coach has overseen just two victories against lower-league opposition. Merson suggests the club's new model focuses on developing and selling players rather than immediate success, a stark contrast to the Jose Mourinho and Thomas Tuchel eras that recent fans have known.

Merson warns that missing European football could trigger a summer exodus, with Cole Palmer potentially joining Manchester United if they qualify for the Champions League. He doubts Enzo Fernandez will leave due to his high valuation, but stresses Chelsea need a centre-forward and goalkeeper urgently. The club faces Brighton on Tuesday, where another defeat could drop them as low as 11th place, making next season's European qualification the primary target rather than Premier League glory.