Manchester United fell 4-3 to Chelsea in a highly interesting game on Thursday night.

Things appeared gloomy when Conor Gallagher gave the home team the lead after only four minutes, and things got even worse when Cole Palmer increased the lead from the penalty spot.

Manchester United, on the other hand, came back in an end-to-end first half, scoring goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes to draw level.

The frenzied, persistent offensive play continued in the second half, with both teams sending everything forward, but Erik ten Hag’s side scored the third when Garnacho nodded in Antony’s superb cross.

United appeared to have the victory, but they couldn’t hold on long into extra time, as Palmer equalised with another penalty and then won it with a thrilling, last-gasp goal to complete his hat-trick.

Here’s how the players fared in a dramatic contest.

Andre Onana – 6

Gallagher had weak hands for his goal, but he made amends with a great ball out to Fernandes to initiate the move that resulted in the equaliser.

Following his early blunder, he was alert to all danger and made numerous good stops. Couldn’t do anything about the third and fourth.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 5

Back at right-back, but struggled at times because Mykhailo Mudryk stayed high up the pitch, leaving him to choose between pushing up or staying with his man.

Axel Disasi was lost on a free kick but managed to escape. Otherwise, the challenge is as strong as ever.

Harry Maguire – 5

He was fortunate not to be punished by Chelsea after he went to the ground and failed to win the ball from Nicolas Jackson, who was subsequently unable to locate a teammate. Was consistent and defended well the remainder of the time.

Just after the break, we came close to a fantastic goal, but the winner was in horrible position.

Raphael Varane – 5

He had to leave the game for the second time in a row due to an injury, and it’s difficult to understand why he ever started, let alone remained on for as long as he did in evident discomfort.

Diogo Dalot – 4

Surprisingly, he played left-back and did not appear to be as comfortable. Before handing away a penalty in the 97th minute, he lost the ball and was out of position for the opener.

I struggled with Cole Palmer’s skill and movement all night. Did contribute with a great cross for Fernandes’ goal.

Casemiro – 3

A poor performance that fully exemplifies his downfall.

Aside from a couple of great passes, he was constantly caught on the ball, was weak in the tackle, failed to close down Gallagher for the opener, and at one point simply let Jackson glide by him with no pressure.

Furthermore, unlike Scott McTominay, who was too high up the pitch, Casemiro sat far too deep, leaving Kobbie Mainoo vulnerable in midfield.

He was frequently in the back lane, creating yet another big gap to be exploited in the middle. In the 74th minute, they were finally brought off.

Kobbie Mainoo – 6

There was one terrible pass that gave the ball away to the opener, but he was otherwise assured on the ball and played some smooth passes.

Despite being left exposed during transition, Casemiro’s sitting position gave him more opportunity to move forward. We dug in deep with some good blocks and challenges late on.

Antony – 8

Could this be his best performance in a United shirt ever? At least since his first fortnight in Manchester.

Even the bad tracking back and foolish tackle that resulted in the penalty didn’t detract from the performance.

Antony was energetic from the outset and always eager to make things happen, which he accomplished by contributing to all three goals.

He performed an excellent job of keeping the ball in play for Garnacho’s goal and was also vital in the equaliser, which featured a great switch of play.

The Brazilian left the best for last, setting up Garnacho’s second goal with a spectacular outside-of-the-boot ball that Ally McCoist rated as one of the greatest of the season.

Bruno Fernandes – 7

Excellent passing as he assisted United in playing lovely football through the Chelsea press and scoring a well-placed header for the equaliser in a move he started with a clever run from his own area.

I didn’t stop running all night.

Alejandro Garnacho – 7

Alejandro Garnacho was wasteful in possession for the first half hour, running into blind alleys instead of releasing the ball (score 7).

However, when Moises Caicedo’s errant pass offered an opening, he pounced and scored while remaining composed. Was bold to nod in the third and participate in the leveller.

Garnacho was decisive when it counted, but his overall play can improve much more.

Rasmus Hojlund – 4

Did well to leave the ball for Fernandes’ goal and was dangerous on two instances when given room to exploit, but couldn’t convert them into effective efforts on goal.

I wasn’t expecting Antony to play such a beautiful ball after the winger worked so hard to get the opportunity. Hooked at the 65th minute.

Substitutes

Jonny Evans – 6

Another trustworthy performance when called upon at the halftime break. He made three blocks in 10 minutes, including a crucial one on Enzo Fernandez’s shot, and cleared everything that came his way.

Unfortunately, he only lasted 20 minutes before killing himself.

Marcus Rashford – 5

Brought in to replace the unproductive Hojlund, but did not have many opportunities to attack.

Willy Kambwala, making his sixth senior debut, cleared danger confidently but hesitated in the last moments, allowing Chelsea to win.

Scott McTominay – 4

Didn’t do anything after coming on, other than deflect the winner past Onana.

Mason Mount – 5

Came on to a booing reception at Stamford Bridge with a few minutes left and added some wonderful touches.