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.

A TALE OF THREE SPANIARDS

One Spaniard added zip, one gave hope with a revitalising opener and one took it all away with yet another unfathomable error.

This must-win match for United was detailed by their trio of Spain internationals.

All their futures, intriguingly, are in a similar parlous condition as their employers’ hopes of dining once again at Europe’s top table in 2019/20.

Uncertain De Gea’s fumble constituted a third blunder in four games. He’d made as many, according to Opta, in the previous 123.

Abortive contract renewal talks have broken his spirit and severely impacted United’s awful end to 2018/19. They should never have got into this situation.

Just like for Spain, Dave no longer Saves.

Midfielder Ander Herrera was back from injury after a month of limp displays in his absence.

The 29-year-old is not a world beater. But the failure to agree a deal with the Paris Saint-Germain target represents a blow.

Mata’s strike was superb against the outfit he played for from 2011-14. His craft is unquestioned, yet a lack of pace jars with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s – supposedly – energetic approach.

He shouldn’t be missed.

STATE OF PLAY

Where now for Solskjaer and his floundering United?

This match was a microcosm of the Norwegian’s reign. It started with surprising zest after seven losses from the previous nine fixtures, then a dispiriting two shots were registered in an impotent second-half siege.

United should never have been in the race for the top four. Their iconic former striker took over a team in December with a cavernous 11-point gap to fourth from sixth.

A three-point deficit is creditable, if unfulfilling.

Did Solskjaer show previously unseen genius in his early months, or is this recent descent a return to the mean?

A lack of tactical subtlety and solutions was reminiscent of jaded predecessor, Jose Mourinho.

Can he drive the vast changes required this summer? The jury remains out.

SANCHEZ IS A SCAPEGOAT

The incongruous relationship between Chile flop Alexis Sanchez’s wages and his performances on the park are a major talking point at United.

His dire displays have bled into contract talks that threaten the futures – and presents – of established performers like De Gea, Herrera and Paul Pogba.

After one touch off the substitutes’ bench in the midweek 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, this was hardly an improvement. In 25 minutes against Chelsea, he registered no attempts or key passes.

An abysmal cross-field pass deep into injury time ruined a promising counter-attack. He’s now got just one goal and three assists in 19 top-flight matches this term.

But United fans must spread their ire.

England striker Marcus Rashford made way for him, because of injury. He’s now scoreless in six games.

Strike partner Romelu Lukaku did well for the opener, yet last scored on March 6.

France striker Anthony Martial remained on the substitutes’ bench. England midfielder Jesse Lingard didn’t even make it that far, memories of an open-goal miss versus City still fresh.

A return of two clean sheets in 17 home Premier League games this term also points to endemic issues. So too them finishing bottom of the ‘big six’ mini-league for 2018/19.

Sanchez has caused untold damage at United. He, however, is not the only villain at the Theatre of Dreams.