Conor Gallagher slammed for Kobbie Mainoo incident during Chelsea vs Man Utd

Conor Gallagher is being criticised after an incident between the Chelsea star and Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo was spotted.

Cole Palmer netted in the 100th and 101st minute as Chelsea claimed a thrilling 4-3 comeback win over Manchester United on Thursday.

Erik ten Hag’s men were leading after 99th minutes and 17 seconds - the latest any side has led a Premier League match in history before going on to lose.

Gallagher opened the scoring for Chelsea and Palmer scored from the spot, only for United to respond with a quick-fire double through Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes to go into the break level.

And when Garnacho netted from Antony’s pass-of-the-season contender early in the second half, it appeared United were edging towards a much-needed three points. However, Palmer scored his second penalty of the game in the 100th minute to level proceedings, before netting a deflected winner 82 seconds later.

Beyond the expected reaction from both sides to the manner of Chelsea’s victory, a portion of United fans on X have been critical of Gallagher for an incident in the game’s 82nd minute.

United and England international Mainoo, who is still only 18, picked up the ball in midfield and carried it ten yards before passing square to Garnacho.

Mainoo has been among United's star performers this season (Getty)

As Mainoo gave the ball to his team-mate, however, he was clattered from behind by the on-rushing Gallagher.

A section of United fans were furious about the incident on social media. Writing on X, one person said: “Ball wasn't even with Mainoo by the time he pushed him lol guys just salty he took his England spot.”

A second wrote: “He didn't even get a booking for that.”

A third said: “Gallagher is angry that this boy is about to take his spot at the Euros.”

However, Chelsea fans rushed to Gallagher’s defence, claiming Mainoo had shoved the Chelsea star in a previous incident.

One person wrote: “Why didn’t you show the incident in full when Mainoo shoved him away?”

Another added: “It’s called payback.”

Topics: Chelsea, Manchester United, Premier League, Erik Ten Hag, Alejandro Garnacho, Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Fan Reactions

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.