OIe Gunnar Solskjaer backs David De Gea after Manchester United's Champions League hopes take another hit

David De Gea following his error which led to Chelsea's equaliser Credit: PA

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer unequivocally backed David De Gea and insisted the faltering goalkeeper is not to blame for Manchester United being in danger of missing out on Champions League qualification.

The Spaniard was culpable for Chelsea's leveler in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, parrying a long-range Antonio Rudiger shot which let Marcos Alonso steal in and score, canceling out Juan Mata's opener on his 31st birthday.

De Gea made a fine save from Gonzalo Higuain in the dying seconds but the major talking point was his latest error, hot on the heels of high-profile mistakes against Manchester City in midweek and Barcelona earlier this month.

United's hopes of a top-four Premier League finish are out of their hands following the result though Solskjaer, who publicly backed De Gea before this weekend, was loathe to place too much blame on his number one.

Solskjaer said: "He's been in the spotlight for the right reasons for so long, now he's going through a period where he probably feels he could have done better.

"I don't have any worries about him because he's a strong character.

"Of course I'll sit down and speak to David as I've done when he's played well. But he's not the reason why we're in the sixth position at the moment.

"You cannot say there is any complacency, David is not the type to sit down and be complacent. He is a competitor and he wants to be the best.

"David knows he could have done better with the goal, there's no reason to hide that, but there's no chance any of us will point fingers because he's saved us so many times."

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer on the touchline in Manchester Utd's game against Chelsea Credit: PA

England striker Marcus Rashford was withdrawn midway through the second half because of a shoulder injury, while Solskjaer confirmed Eric Bailly's season was over after he awkwardly twisted his knee shortly afterwards.

The Ivorian was seen leaving Old Trafford on crutches with his right knee in a heavy brace.

Solskjaer added: "Eric, it's a bad knee injury, hopefully it's not the worst case. But I'm sure we won't see him any more this season unfortunately.

"Rashy, we strapped him before the game, you could see clearly that his shoulder got worse and worse and he couldn't run freely any more."

United lie three points behind the fourth-placed Blues with two games remaining - although both teams and Arsenal, in fifth, have endured indifferent form of late.

Solskjaer added: "Of course if you look at the league table it's going to be difficult. We've got to make sure we turn up, win the next two games, play well and you never know.

"Points are being dropped left, right and centre in this race."