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Player Ratings: Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea

A decent team performance undone by another mistake in goal

Manchester United v Chelsea FC - Premier League Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Manchester United remain in the hunt for a top four spot, but chances to make up ground are slipping away. The Reds started brightly against Chelsea on Sunday, pinning the visitors back early and going ahead through a well-worked Juan Mata goal. Unfortunately, though, another David De Gea howler handed Chelsea a lifeline shortly before the break.

The 1-1 draw doesn’t do much for United in the fight for fourth. They’re still three points (and a lot of GD) behind Chelsea with only two Premier League matches left. Not impossible, but unlikely.

David De Gea: 4

Flawless for so long, the United keeper has fallen on hard times. DDG spilled Antonio Rudiger’s knuckling shot, allowing Marcos Alonso to equalize from a tight angle. Great (if unknowing) save to keep Gonzalo Higuain out at the death.

Ashley Young: 7

Surprising stuff from the captain. Kept Eden Hazard very quiet, denying Chelsea’s star-man any space to shoot from range. His corner to Bailly deserved a better finish from the Ivorian.

Victor Lindelof: 7

Did he put a foot wrong all game? Not much going forward, but the composed Lindelof played a big part in stifling Chelsea’s attack.

Eric Bailly: 6

Not bad for his first appearance in nearly two months. A nasty-looking knee injury put an early end to his day — and, perhaps, his season.

Luke Shaw: 8

Top-class in all phases. Adventured forward, but still resolute at the back. Shaw calmly cut the ball back across the box to set up Mata’s goal.

Ander Herrera: 7

A strong performance in his return from a hamstring injury. Great energy in closing down Hazard at every opportunity. Based on this match, Herrera will be sorely missed if off to Paris in the summer.

Nemanja Matic: 6

Better defensively, but still sorely off the pace with his passes. Matic offered no space to Chelsea attackers looking to uncork long-range shots.

Paul Pogba: 6

Faded after a bright start. No standout moment, but Pogba covered a ton of ground and kept the ball moving.

Juan Mata: 8

Scored the opener and pressed Chelsea high up the pitch. Just Mata’s third Premier League goal of the season, but it came at a great time.

Romelu Lukaku: 6

Deft chip to Shaw that set up Mata’s opener. Lukaku had a great chance of his own — but took too long on the ball. Still, it forced a good save from Kepa. Lukaku was everywhere early on, but noticeably tired in the second half.

Marcus Rashford: 5

Still struggling to convert his blazing speed into clear-cut scoring chances. Removed with an apparent shoulder injury shortly after the hour mark.

Alexis Sanchez (Sub, 65’): 5

Worked hard, but his neon boots made a bigger statement than his play.

Marcos Rojo (Sub, 71’): 5

Rojo lives on the edge. Nearly sent off (a horror tackle on Willian) and nearly scored the winner.

Scott McTominay (Sub, 81’): 7

Not on for long, but looked great. Outmuscled N’Golo Kante for the ball and blocked Hazard at point-blank range.