United’s Top Four Hopes End as De Gea Gifts Chelsea 1-1 Equaliser

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea sits dejected after Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso, not pictured, scores his side’s first goal of the game during their English Premier League soccer match.

(Photo: AP)

David De Gea made his latest mistake to cost Manchester United more points in its 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

The United goalkeeper has come under pressure in recent weeks and did little to answer his critics when he gifted Chelsea the equaliser just before halftime. De Gea spilt Antonio Rudiger's shot from distance into the path of Marcos Alonso, who found the net via the right-hand post.

In the fight for a Champions League spot, fourth-place Chelsea holds a three-point advantage over sixth-place United with two games remaining.

Manchester United’s Juan Mata, center obscured, celebrates scoring his side’s first goal of the game with teammates during their English Premier League soccer match.(Photo: AP)

United had taken the lead with a well-worked goal after only 11 minutes at Old Trafford.

Luke Shaw ran onto Romelu Lukaku's chipped ball into the box and squared for Juan Mata to slot home.

United had to make a change 20 minutes from time as Eric Bailly was forced off with a serious-looking knee injury after making a challenge.

De Gea made a save from Gonzalo Higuain in the closing stages after Marcos Rojo had seen a header cleared off the line by Pedro at the other end.