Crystal Palace vs Manchester United Report

Scorers: N/A

Manchester United’s struggles at Selhurst Park continued as they played out a frustrating goalless draw against Crystal Palace. Despite dominating much of the game, the Red Devils failed to convert their chances, extending their winless run at Palace to five matches (D3, L2). Erik ten Hag’s men will rue their missed opportunities, while Palace secured a valuable point, marking their third consecutive draw of the season.

First Half

United came into the match on the back of two wins post-international break, but the memories of a poor performance at Selhurst Park last season likely weighed on their minds. However, it was United who looked the sharper of the two sides, controlling possession and dictating the pace of the game.

The first significant chance arrived when Joshua Zirkzee threaded a perfectly-timed pass to Alejandro Garnacho, but the young Argentine was thwarted by former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.

Henderson, showing top form against his former club, was once again pivotal as he pulled off a brilliant save minutes later, denying Matthijs de Ligt’s powerful header from point-blank range with an instinctive stop using his feet.

United continued to press, but Henderson stood firm, notably denying Garnacho once more just before the break after a clever flick-on from Zirkzee off a Bruno Fernandes cross.

Despite United’s dominance, Crystal Palace posed a danger on the counterattack. Eberechi Eze, their most dangerous player, had a golden opportunity to give the hosts a shock lead, but his tame shot was comfortably gathered by André Onana.

Second Half

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, clearly dissatisfied with his team’s first-half display, made a bold double substitution at halftime, introducing Ismaïla Sarr and Jefferson Lerma. The changes immediately injected life into Palace’s attack, with Sarr quickly linking up with Eze, whose shot was blocked, lifting the home crowd’s spirits.

However, United soon regained control of the match. Bruno Fernandes came close to breaking the deadlock with a shot from the edge of the box, but it curled just wide of Henderson’s post.

Ten Hag, visibly frustrated by his team’s inability to capitalise on their possession, brought on Marcus Rashford, hoping the in-form forward could make the difference.

Palace, however, almost stole the lead with a dangerous spell of their own. André Onana made a brilliant double save, first stopping Eddie Nketiah’s effort and then reacting quickly to deny Sarr’s follow-up. Eze continued to threaten but missed another opportunity after being set up by Sarr.

Tensions escalated late in the game when Lisandro Martínez was shown a yellow card for a strong challenge on Daichi Kamada, much to the fury of Palace players and fans, who believed the Argentine deserved a red.

Conclusion

In the end, neither side could find the elusive winning goal. United dominated possession and created numerous chances, but their lack of clinical finishing cost them all three points.

Crystal Palace, buoyed by Henderson’s heroics and solid defensive work, held on for a third consecutive draw, leaving them with three points from their last three games.

For Manchester United, this result was another example of their inability to turn dominance into victory, a recurring theme that will no doubt concern Erik ten Hag as his side continues to chase consistency.

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Crystal Palace v Man Utd, 2024/25 | Premier League