It is amazing that this guy is still around. This is something that continues to surprise me, especially considering that players like Rashford and Sancho have been kicked off the team. Rio Ferdinand is dissatisfied with the one player from Manchester United who lost possession of the ball more than any other player on the pitch during the match against Palace.
Crystal Palace caused Manchester United to suffer a humiliating defeat at home on Sunday afternoon, defeating them by a score of 2-0.
Once again, Man United was unable to avoid making defensive mistakes from set pieces, which allowed Palace to score their first goal. This was a repeat of the events that occurred in the past.
The away team got off to a brisk start, launching a blistering counterattack that resulted in United scoring their third goal. During the time that Amad Diallo was recovering the ball, he made the peculiar choice to dribble back towards the goal in order to shake off his opponents rather than get rid of the ball. In spite of the fact that he was able to prevent the ball from falling into danger, the winger’s decision to play out from the back while under such intense pressure was quite peculiar.
Kobbie Mainoo was served a pass by Noussair Mazraoui, who was on the right side of the pitch, after Bruno Fernandes played a decent long ball up to him. The through ball that Mainoo played to Alejandro Garnacho resulted in the latter’s shot being deflected out for a corner kick, which was successfully defended by the fielders.
After a brief pause, United went on the offensive, and Amad passed the ball to Mainoo, who then took a shot that hit the crossbar. Despite the fact that they were playing without a striker up top, United displayed some positive attacking play.
Palace failed to capitalise on a golden opportunity at the ten-minute mark. The defence was beaten by Daniel Muñoz, who was able to get on the end of a well-timed cross. However, unfortunately, his headed effort went over the top of the net.
At the fourteen minute mark, United was awarded a corner kick, and Martinez took a shot, but it was blocked by a Palace defence that was as determined as ever.
Maxence Lacroix made an impressive save from Andre Onana with a thunderous long-range effort after Mateta sparked a daring counterattack by cutting back the ball to him. Mateta took the initiative to initiate the counterattack.
Almost immediately after that, Palace came one step closer to scoring once more when Ismaïla Sarr’s header from close range went wide. Palace were making a concerted effort to score an opening goal and were really knocking on the door.
When Mateta broke through the defence seven minutes before halftime, leaving Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire in the dust, Palace came within inches of scoring. Mateta’s goal caused Palace to come within inches of scoring. He was fortunate enough to have his shot deflected wide of the far post, which allowed the Old Trafford crowd to let out a sigh of relief. In order for United to maintain their clean sheet, they would need to tighten up their defensive play inside the box.
It was announced that there would be one minute of stoppage time as United positioned themselves in the final third of the pitch. Martinez, who had been struggling to find a breakthrough, managed to find an opening at last. Unfortunately, he went beyond what was expected of him in his effort.
Over the course of a tumultuous half of football, the score remained unchanged at 0-0. It was abundantly clear that Ruben Amorim needed to infuse his attacking lineup with some vitality in order for them to find a breakthrough in what ought to be a straightforward victory at home.
In the third minute after the restart, Maguire was shown a yellow card for making a slide tackle on Mateta, which resulted in Palace being awarded a free kick immediately to the right of the penalty box.
The ball floated to Guehi, and Onana was able to catch the header that he attempted. Dean Henderson deflected Fernandes’ dangerous shot for a corner kick as United began their blistering counterattack. Amad threaded the ball to Fernandes in the middle of the pitch, and Fernandes’ shot was dangerous.
When Fernandes was roughly taken down by Will Hughes in the 53rd minute, United was awarded a free kick thanks to the incident. Once Maguire was inside the box, Fernandes crossed the ball to him, and Maguire then headed the ball to Ugarte. Despite the fact that Ugarte’s shot was powerful, the resolute Palace defence managed to prevent it from going in.
In front of a huddled crowd at Old Trafford, Palace broke the tie in the 64th minute of the match. The ball was crossed into the box by Eze from his free kick, and it found its way to the head of Lacroix. Lacroix beat Yoro in the air and sent a looping header over Onana. Mateta was in the ideal position to seize the loose ball and make a powerful shot into the back of the net, despite the fact that his shot was blocked by the crossbar with his shot.
In response to Fernandes’ argument with the referee, he was shown a yellow card after the goal was scored.
A little more than twenty minutes into the match, Mainoo was substituted for Rasmus Hojlund, and Mazraoui was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee. Both substitutions were made.
With sixteen minutes remaining, Ugarte was shown a yellow card for a challenge that was not timed properly.
Palace came dangerously close to doubling their lead with the free kick that resulted. Jefferson Lerma’s header sped past Onana, who was unable to stop it, and went past the far post. Dalot was unable to keep up with Jefferson Lerma.
The catastrophe occurred two minutes after that. When Lisandro Martinez’s knee buckled in a graphic manner, he collapsed to the ground and fell to the ground. The fact that Matthijs de Ligt is getting ready to take his place was a clear indication that he had sustained a very concerning injury.
That the injury appeared to be more severe than it actually was would be Amorim’s hope.
Martinez, unfortunately, was in a state of excruciating pain. For a few minutes, the medical staff gathered around the centre back, providing him with assistance and ensuring that he was safely secured in the stretcher.
De Ligt came on as a replacement for Martinez, who was injured, as was to be expected.
In the 86th minute, Fernandes attempted to score via a corner kick, but the goal was once again unsuccessful because the custodian was able to catch the ball. This means that United has taken ten corners, but they have nothing to show for it.
Ugarte was replaced by Christian Eriksen, who was therefore making his 300th appearance in the Premier League.
The visitors increased their lead by two minutes before the end of the game. One of Palace’s players, Munoz, was able to capitalise on a lengthy pass on the right flank after the team had successfully intercepted a ball that was being played by United inside their own half. Mateta, who was located in the middle of the field, was the one who ended up putting the ball into the back of the net.
In response to Martinez’s terrible injury, it was announced that nine minutes of additional time would be added.
In light of the fact that United did not engage in much activity during stoppage time, supporters will undoubtedly be curious about how much longer it will take Amorim to correct United’s defensive mistakes.
Nevertheless, Amorim cannot be held solely responsible for the situation. It is abundantly clear that new players are required to strengthen both the attack and the defence of United, which raises questions as to why Ineos did not go on a spending spree during the transfer window that took place in January.
