Manchester United vs Chelsea result: Five things we learned as shares spoiled after David De Gea blunder

The goalkeeper's howler ultimately cost United victory in the stuttering race for the top-four

Chelsea took the upper-hand in the stumbling race for the top-four after a 1-1 draw against Manchester United Old Trafford.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side took the lead after 11 minutes as Juan Mata scored against his old side.

But David De Gea's streak of howlers then continued just before half-time. The goalkeeper spilt Antonio Rudiger's long-range shot, allowing Marcos Alonso to tap-in from close range to

Chelsea came close to sealing victory as they took hold of the game in the second half, but neither side could find the decisive blow in the race for the Champions League places.

Here are five things we learned from the game:

De Gea suffers another blunder

Manchester United captain Ashley Young wasted no time in jumping to the defence of goalkeeper David de Gea in the wake of the Spaniard’s disappointing display against Manchester City. “David is a world-class player. He's probably the best in the world for me,” Young told Sky Sports. “When he lets a few goals in people are going to criticise him but for me it starts at the front, the midfield, defenders - if the ball doesn't get that far back the other team doesn't have a chance to score.”

But, on this occasion at least, no other United player could be blamed for De Gea’s initial error against Chelsea. Antonio Rüdiger’s long-range shot was well struck but straight at De Gea, who fumbled the shot low to his right.

At this point, De Gea could have received more help from his defenders, who stood and watched as Marcos Alonso anticipated the rebound before prodding the ball home. Regardless: De Gea, for so very long United’s best player, is man completely shorn of confidence at the time his struggling team need him the most.

Marcos Alonso scores past David de Gea (Getty)

Shaw brings balance to lop-sided United

It is no coincidence that some of Manchester United's worst performances in recent weeks have come without Luke Shaw in the team. It is not so much what Shaw brings when he plays as what they miss when he doesn't – most importantly, his absence leaves them without a natural left foot on that side of the pitch to carry the ball forwards and get to the byline.

Too often in recent weeks that job has been tasked to Ashley Young or Diogo Dalot, both of whom are extremely reluctant for their left foot to make any meaningful contact with the ball. It has meant that too many times United have advanced a few yards down the left only for the full-back or wing-back to stop, check inside and pass back to ground zero (Phil Jones). Shaw, on the hand, loves to gallop around the outside of the game, while here it was one of his inside underlapping runs which unlocked Chelsea's defence for the opener. United have many problems, but one easy fix is to add some depth at left-back.

Luke Shaw brings balance to Untied's defence (Action Images via Reuters)

Higuain labours up front

In scrappy, stuttering games such as these, Gonzalo Higuain can often appear a little lost in the Premier League bustle. A stagnant pivot up front offering precious little movement, the 31-year-old is a lethargic presence, like an upfield anchor disjointed from the motion around him. When Chelsea broke, he was rarely first into the box attempting to pounce. As the game wore on, he was repeatedly caught offside just as his side had begun to establish momentum.

Higuain’s greatest strength in Sarri’s system is the ability to drop deep and pull the centre-halves with him to create the space for Eden Hazard and Willian to surge into. But without the pace, nor the trickery, to strike fear into Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof, United were able to allow him roam and instead focus on nullifying the threat of their wingers.

When that proves to be the case, it’s hard to determine what superior qualities the Argentinian brings to Sarri’s side compared to the likes of Olivier Giroud. The Frenchman is equally cumbersome, but at least brings the promise of a robust, aerial presence that becomes so much more valuable as the game reached a frenetic end.

Higuain fails to impress up front again (Action Images via Reuters) (Reuters)

Injuries toll and disrupt the game

In the second half, they dropped in sequence. Antonio Rudiger limped off with a knee problem before David Luiz fell to the turf. Marcus Rashford left the field three minutes later before Eric Bailly sustained what looked to be a horrid injury in a collision with Mateo Kovacic. Only once Willian hobbled off was the culling of main characters complete.

The breaks in flow favoured Chelsea, but ultimately neither side could capitalise on the game's stuttering momentum. It stole the game's rhythm and, in the end, wearied legs crumpled in a pivotal game that offered a decisive step in the top-four race. Neither side could summon the strength to take it and a relentless season at both domestic and European levels has finally shown its toll.

Chelsea take reluctant initiative the top-four race

Chelsea leave Old Trafford with the initiative in a top-four race which all three sides have approached with stumbling reluctance. It was in Arsenal's hands before three dismal defeats, neither Chelsea or United could seize it by the scruff today. The Blues' late creeping of nerves were perhaps testament to the fact that a draw was all that was required to put them on the home straight. Only Watford and Leicester remain. Six points and all is guaranteed. In a pursuit most notable for its mistakes, Sarri's side somehow has the upper hand.