Chelsea's Eden Hazard, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the English FA Cup final soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United. Photo / AP
Chelsea's Eden Hazard, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the English FA Cup final soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United. Photo / AP
Eden Hazard ensured Chelsea's lackluster season ended on a high note by securing the FA Cup in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the final on Saturday.
Days after raising doubts about his Chelsea future, Hazard netted from the penalty spot in the 22nd minute at Wembley Stadium afterbeing brought down by Phil Jones.
Whether Hazard remains a Chelsea player next season could depend on whether "good players" are signed in the offseason, based on the winger's pre-match comments.
It looks increasingly unlikely Antonio Conte will be the manager overseeing those transfer deals with the departure of the Italian anticipated after two seasons despite delivering silverware.
Chelsea's Eden Hazard, 2nd left, shoots a penalty to score the opening goal during the English FA Cup final soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United. Photo / AP
The rapid collapse in the English Premier League made Conte's future look increasingly precarious.
After lifting the trophy last season, Chelsea finished 30 points behind newly crowned champion Manchester City to finish fifth last week and out of the Champions League places.
Victory for Conte — his first in a cup final — meant Jose Mourinho finished his second season at United empty handed, paying the price for an insipid first-half display and coming to life only after the break.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte, right, watch from the sidelines during the English FA Cup final. Photo / AP
United took until the 56th minute to register a shot on target when Marcus Rashford struck at goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who later rushed off his line to block the forward.
