Manchester United – sporting their awesome new ‘Originals’ third kit for the first time – picked up a point at a ground where we lost 4-0 last season. But it really should have been three.
United were dominant, particularly in the first half and first part of the second half, and had ample opportunities to put the game to bed. Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes hit the woodwork twice in the same sequence in the first half, whilst centre halves De Ligt and Martinez both had efforts well-saved by ex-Red Dean Henderson.
The overarching theme of this game is United were wasteful in front of goal, but continued to show clear improvement, particularly compared to the Liverpool game, which has been this season’s low point.
United dominate first half
After the Liverpool debacle, Ten Hag had gained some respite and momentum with good performances against both Southampton and Barnsley; games in which we scored a total of 10 goals whilst not conceding.
Palace is a tougher test than both of those, and after last season’s embarrassing 4-0 defeat at Selhurst Park, this was a crucial game for the Dutchman and his team, who have looked good in spells this season but haven’t been 100% convincing.
We have to remember that United are light up front even when we have our full squad fit, but with Hojlund only fit enough for a 15-minute cameo, we started the game with no recognised number 9; Joshua Zirkzee playing up top and looking to create chances by linking up with Garnacho, Fernandes and Diallo.
We completely dominated the first-half possession, created several big chances and looked solid at the back. However, if you don’t put chances away, you don’t win football matches. But we are definitely moving in the right direction.
Running out of steam second half
United started the second half in largely the same fashion; dominating possession, playing front-footed football and looking positive. Fernandes curled a shot wide and Garnacho had a shot well-saved by Henderson.
In an effort to chase the game, Ten Hag replaced Diallo and Zirkzee with the returning Hojlund and Rashford, and also switched the excellent Cristian Eriksen for new boy Manuel Ugarte. Ugarte looked solid but the attacking changes didn’t really work and we looked like we were starting to run out of ideas as Palace grew into the game; Andre Onana making great saves from Eddie Nketiah and then Ismaïla Sarr.
We looked less dangerous from 70 minutes or so onwards, and were reduced to half chances and more speculative efforts as the game drew to its close, a 0-0 looking more and more likely as the clock ticked on. That was how the game finished eventually, and United were left ruing the big chances they missed in the first half.
Player Ratings & MOTM
Onana – 8. Wasn’t called on that often but made a world-class double save in the second half and distribution was good.
Diogo Dalot – 7. His best game this season and a constant threat down the right. Nearly had an assist when Garnacho hit the bar first half.
De Ligt – 7. Should have scored with a first-half header but looked generally dominant and solid.
Martinez – 6. Generally solid and good on the ball but jumped into a crazy two-footed challenge that should have 100% been a red card.
Mazraoui – 6.5. Decent defensively although gave the ball away a couple of times second half – Dalot was the better attacker in this game.
Eriksen – 7. Looked good in the first half and set-piece delivery was excellent. Faded second half and was subbed for the less creative Ugarte.
Mainoo – 7. An under-the-radar type performance but kept the play ticking over for 70 minutes or so and did his bit defensively too.
Fernandes – 5. One of those profligate Bruno performances that occasionally comes when you’re a high-risk/high-reward player. Should have scored in the first half but hit the bar.
Diallo – 6. Not as influential as in recent weeks and struggled at times against Tyrick Mitchell. Still had some bright first-half moments but was eventually switched for the returning Hojlund.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6. Highly involved, especially in the first half where he got booked, hit the bar and had a shot well-saved. Still needs a more consistent end product but should hopefully come with time.
Zirkzee – 6.5. Looked really good in parts, especially first half, with some great hold-up and link-up play. Will be interesting to see him link up with Hojlund when fully fit.
Subs:
Rashford (on for Zirkzee on 61′) – 5. Didn’t do much and we looked less likely to score when Zirkzee went off.
Hojlund (on for Diallo on 76′) – 6. Good hold-up play but little penetration.
Ugarte (on for Eriksen on 76′) – 6.5. Solid and good in possession.
Looking ahead
United are well clear at the top of the league for big missed chances – 17, whilst Aston Villa lie second with 12.
As Stephen Howson correctly identifies; we’re moving in the right direction but simply need to score more goals. We have Rasmus Hojlund returning but the midfielders, wingers and even defenders need to chip in – we are simply not scoring enough.
We open our Europa League campaign against play FC Twente on Wednesday, and then welcome Spurs to Old Trafford on Sunday. Let’s hope for similar levels of performance in those games, but that we can also actually take the chances we create.
