AFTER the comedown of Brentford, here was the comeback - but not for United.
This was more West End than West London from United, at their riveting and raucous best until Diogo Dalot clumsily upended Noni Madueke in the 96th minute.
There had been 26 goals in the 80th minute and onwards in United's 90-minute matches. Make that 28 now. The latest two both went to Chelsea and Cole Palmer.
Palmer was heckled with 'City reject' by the United fans. If only the Wythenshawe-born boyhood Red had rejected City. It is unforgivable that United let him slip through the net. Palmer has joined the elite few who have scored a hat-trick against them.
Also unforgivable is United's knack for conceding late goals and conceding in quick succession.
After a 99th-minute equaliser went past Andre Onana at Brentford, there were goals in the 110th and 111th.
Mauricio Pochettino and his staff charged on to the pitch. Erik ten Hag skulked down the tunnel without shaking hands. If there was any doubt, there can be no more. This United squad does not have the mentality to qualify for the Champions League.
Even in one of United's finer performances of a chaotic campaign, this was ultimately evidence to file in the 'Ten Hag out' dossier. United sieved goals of a familiar variety and they were killed off at the death again.
United have a knack for 3-2 wins from 2-0 down and this seemed to be another. Elements of their performance were encouraging even when Chelsea were leading at 2-0 and they were not for nothing. United brimmed with silk and steel as they coped with more defensive casualties and introduced 19-year-old Willy Kambwala for a thorough examination.
Even in a season laden with finales 56 that defied belief, this was the most unbelievable.
Esta historia es de la edición April 05, 2024 de Manchester Evening News.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 05, 2024 de Manchester Evening News.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Ten Hag future remains in doubt as state-of-play meet comes to end
INEOS GATHERING IN LONDON CONCLUDES WITHOUT ANY STATEMENT
'The tribunal found that it was wrong. This is a big deal in competition law'
THE Premier League came unstuck against City in their opening submission of the hearing into Associated Party Transaction Rules.
Godfather of AI wins Nobel Prize for Physics
A BRITISH-CANADIAN computer scientist who has been dubbed the \"godfather of artificial intelligence\" has won this year's Nobel Prize for Physics.
Chancellor urged to quash ‘damaging' pension rumours
FTSE 250 savings and investment platform AJ Bell has joined the growing chorus urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to back down from a proposed tax hit on UK pensioners, warning that rumours of the government's tax intentions are \"hugely damaging\" and are causing widespread concern long-term savings.
Red paint attack on office block
A PRO-PALESTINE group says it targeted an office block in Manchester city centre housing insurance firm Allianz.
Star 'in pain every day' in his fight with arthritis
ADAM Thomas has told fans how he's 'in pain every day' as he gave a candid update from his latest trip to the hospital.
I was in tears when the police returned my XL Bully
OWNER SAYS DOG WAS LEFT IN 'BAD STATE' AFTER BEING SEIZED
Student cop was 'bullied' claims dad
INQUEST TOLD TRAINEE HAD NIGHTMARES ABOUT BOSS 'TRYING TO STRANGLE HIM'
From Pretty Green to pretty vacant
PRETTY Green, the fashion brand founded by Liam Gallagher, has announced its flagship Manchester store has closed with immediate effect.
Dozens of 'late-stage' terror plots foiled since Arena bomb
THE security services have foiled 43 'late-stage' terror plots since March 2017 as new threats emerge from hostile nations such as Russia and China and a 'resurgent' Islamic State.
