Manchester United lost 4-3 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge Friday night, despite leading 3-2 in the 99th minute, with Cole Palmer scoring a late brace to condemn them to their 12th Premier League defeat of 2023-24.

The Red Devils fell behind 2-0 19 minutes into the game, but they rallied before halftime and led 3-2 at the 67th minute.

They were on their way to their 16th league victory, and their chances of finishing in the top five looked promising until Chelsea scored twice late in the game, equalising in the tenth minute of added time and winning a minute later.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Man United’s co-owner, was at Stamford Bridge to watch the game, and his reaction as the Red Devils conceded late was captured on camera.

Man United manager Erik ten Hag wants to establish himself and stay in charge of the club beyond the summer, but last night’s defeat would have done little to help his prospects of keeping the job.

With eight games remaining, they are 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa and nine points behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, and they are unlikely to compete for the final Champions League spot if the Premier League receives five slots in the new format of the competition.

Man United will play league leaders Liverpool on Sunday, hoping for a repeat of their 4-3 FA Cup success last month, but victory against the Reds may be difficult considering both clubs’ current form.

According to reports, the Red Devils will have to settle for a Europa League spot next season because they lack the necessary talent to compete in the Champions League, and the performance against Chelsea would have served as a timely reminder for Ratcliffe ahead of his squad rebuilding plans in the summer.