London

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has lamented that his side gave away the match despite being on the precipice of a famous victory. The Red Devils went down 3-4 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday (Apr 4) that gave a major jolt to their top-4 ambitions. 

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United conceded twice in the stoppage time as Cole Palmer converted a penalty before a huge deflection via Scott McTominay allowed the former Manchester City player to complete his hattrick. 

"We had the game in our hands and we gave it away. It's frustrating. It's difficult to take. We had good control in the last few minutes. But they got two chances and scored two goals. From the corner, we have to be much quicker. We knew beforehand they take corners and throw-ins quickly," said Fernandes after the match. 

The midfielder admitted United were conceding too many shots on goal and that the focus now should be the crucial match against Liverpool on Sunday. 

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"In the last games, we've conceded too many shots. It's about defending your box. It's a big game (on Sunday against Liverpool). I don't need to say anything (to my teammates). If I need to say anything it's a problem because this is a massive club."

United vs Chelsea

United started the game poorly as Chelsea raced to a two-goal advantage courtesy of tidy finishes from Conor Gallaher and Cole Palmer within the first 20 minutes. 

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Having gone behind in front of a vociferous Stamford Bridge crowd, United were given a lucky break when Moises Caicedo gave away the ball high up the pitch, allowing Alejandro Garnacho to slot one past Petrovic. Within five minutes, Fernandes scored to equalise the game and head into halftime with the game finely poised.

In the second half, Chelsea kept the lion's share of the possession but United struck on the counter yet again as Antony placed a perfect cross inside the six-yard box that was planted to the back of the net by Garnacho to secure a brace. However, that was to be the end of scoring for United who succumbed at the death. 

Also read | Premier League: Erik Ten Hag blames poor decisions for Manchester United's 4-3 loss to Chelsea

Ten Hag's assessment 

Quizzed about his assessment post the match, Te Hag said his team deserved to win the game. 

"Yes we started poor, kicking the ball away and defending poorly. But you saw we were dominating the game and it was brilliant how we played - we deserved to win the game. But, you cannot give it away like we did and we have to manage this game better. It is a team performance, you can point to one of the players but it is about team performance," said Hag.

United have blow hot and cold throughout the season, having crashed out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup while failing to challenge for the title. The team's only hope of silverware this season is in the FA Cup where United face Coventry City in the semifinals at the Wembley, later this month.  

(With inputs from agencies)