Another calamitous mistake from discombobulated goalkeeper David de Gea played a defining role in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea that should end hopes of Champions League qualification, while solidifying their opponents’.

England left-back Luke Shaw’s cross and Spain creator Juan Mata’s sharp low finish against his former paymasters earned a valuable early lead against fourth-placed visitors.

But Germany centre-back Antonio Rudiger’s shot was spilled by De Gea to the grateful Spain left-back Marcos Alonso on 43 minutes.

United then underwhelmed in a dire second half. It maintained a three-point gap to Chelsea, who are two points ahead of fifth-placed Arsenal with just two matches left.

MAN UNITED (4-3-1-2)

David De Gea 3: Another match, another catastrophic error. His flap to Alonso holds truly dire consequences.

Ashley Young 5: A 28^th Premier League run-out of 2018/19 for the 34-year-old was stained by not being alert to Alonso charge.

Eric Bailly 6: Back in the team for the first time since international break. But got injured again in unfortunate collision. Worrying.

Victor Lindelof 6: Static Higuain made life easy for the Sweden centre-back. Almost flawless with passing

Luke Shaw 7: Wonderful dart forward and intelligent cut-back found Mata for the opener. Kept Willian quiet, too.

Ander Herrera 7: Spaniard was involved for the first time in a month and his energy made a difference.

Nemanja Matic 6: Made presence known to ex-team-mate Azpilicueta. Otherwise, marshaled midfield adequately.

Paul Pogba 6: Pogba was not bad, by any stretch. Yet, he should be bossing games like this.

Juan Mata 7: Could be on way out, but made himself known to current and former clubs with smart finish.

Romelu Lukaku 5: Another former Chelsea charge on show. Started brightly with deft pass for opener, but faded, turning his attention to an offside contest with similarly static Higuain.

Marcus Rashford 4: A sixth scoreless game for the out-of-sorts England forward. Lacked confidence and composure.

SUBSTITUTES

Alexis Sanchez 4: In their moment of need, United’s highest-paid player had no attempts on goal. Feckless cross-field pass killed final attack.

Marcos Rojo 6: Lucky not to see red for a typically rash challenge on Brazil winger Willian. Pedro headed away on the line.

Scott McTominay N/A: Thrown off after Bailly’s latest injury. Little involvement.