In a season jam-packed with lows, United slumped to a new one as they were thrashed 4-0 by a Crystal Palace side that effectively had nothing to play for.
Almost none of United’s line-up had what could even be called a decent performance, and there were some real shockers – more on that later.
The result leaves us in 8th place, behind both Newcastle and Chelsea in the race for the Europa League. With 3 difficult league games left, winning the FA Cup becomes even more important if we want to get into UEFA’s second-string competition.
crap first half; even worse second
There have been times this season where United have performed well, but have been unlucky to come away with a win. Conversely, there have been times when the result probably flatters us.
This was a game where we were shockingly bad all over the pitch, and we got exactly what we deserved. Comfortably our worst performance of the season; we were outplayed, outfought, outworked and outclassed, by – with all due respect – a very average mid-table Premier League team.
On 12 minutes, Wan-Bissaka and Eriksen were caught out of position from an innocuous Palace throw; Michael Olise then sauntered past the dreadful Casemiro and 20 yards further – unchallenged – into the United penalty area before scuffing a tame shot past Onana.
We had a goal disallowed for a foul on the keeper – softish but probably fair enough.
On 40′, Casemiro gave the ball away again to Jean-Philippe Mateta, who glided past Jonny Evans like he wasn’t there and smashed a near-post effort in for 2-0.
United came out early for the second half and looked raring to go, but the second half was more of the same; Onana making a couple of decent saves to keep the score respectable. On 58′ Diogo Dalot got bullied at the back post by Joachim Anderson, who cut back for a Tyrick Mitchell tap-in. Olise was at in again on 66′, Casemiro losing the ball far too easily to Daniel Munoz who rolled the ball back for Olise to smash home.
It was almost worse for United; yet another Casemiro mistake leading to Palace sub Edouard crashing a shot against the post late on in the game.
A special mention must go to the travelling United fans. They were vocal throughout and cheered the team off – not that they deserved it – ahead of a long old journey back up North. A class act as always.
Ten hag comes out fighting
Understandably, Erik Ten Hag is under a lot of pressure, with many United fans calling for him to be sacked. However, in his post-match press interview he was in a defiant mood, and refused to pin blame on any one player:
“It’s obvious we are underperforming, it’s by far not good enough and we’re very disappointed. We should have kept fighting; like the fans did.
“[When asked about Casemiro] You can’t put the performance on one player, the first goal shouldn’t happen; we didn’t follow the rules, organise or adapt to the situation – it’s not possible.
“We still have nine points to play for, and we have to fight for those nine points.
“I will keep fighting, it was not good enough but I will take responsibility and I will find the energy to prepare them for Sunday’s game.
“[When asked if he is the right man to restore United to former glories] Absolutely. If the right players are there and available.”
Erik Ten Hag after the game
PLAYER RATINGS
Onana – 3. Made a couple of saves but was far too easily beaten for a couple of the Palace goals
Dalot – 3. Not his night; got done for the third goal and offered little going forward.
Casemiro – 1. A truly diabolical performance from a world-class player. At fault in varying degrees for all the Palace goals and the late chance that hit the post. Jamie Carragher was predictably reactionary in calling for the Brazilian to go and join a team in Saudi in the post-match analysis.
Evans – 3. Got done far too easily for the second goal. Looked like what he is: a 36 year-old called in at short notice who probably isn’t match-fit.
Wan-Bissaka – 3. Ventured forward a bit but made life far too easy for Palace’s dangerous winger Olise.
Mainoo – 5. Had some moments going forward but was part of a woefully under-equipped midfield that just got overran.
Mount – 4. Looked OK at times but didn’t influence the game or make much happen.
Eriksen – 2. Off the pace all night, almost completely ineffective and caught out of position for the Palace first goal.
Garnacho – 5. Less bad than some around him but didn’t really contribute significantly.
Antony – 3. Hardly ever penetrated and struggled defensively
Hojlund – 3. Almost no service and struggled to hold the ball up.
Subs:
Amrabat (on for Antony on 60′) – 5. At least got on the ball and put a shift in, but no influence on the game and Palace scored again.
Diallo (on for Mount on 80′) – N/A.
Wheatley (on for Hojlund on 80′) – N/A.
LOOKING AHEAD
United play old rivals Arsenal at the weekend, in a game that is going to be accompanied by a strange atmosphere; plenty of Reds would rather Arsenal win the league than Manchester City.
Will United fans be openly supporting the Gunners? Give their tickets up? Support United as normal?
Who knows?
At this point, there is no indication that Erik Ten Hag won’t be the manager for that game. Watch this space.
