Late collapse at Bridge shows United are not up to Champions League spot

STING IN THE TAIL KILLS OFF EURO HOPES

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

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.