After a run of squandered opportunities allowed them ruing their luck as they drew away at Crystal Palace 0-0, Manchester United’s winning run is broken at two.
Starting strong out of the blocks, United produced a torrent of opportunities in the first half, with both Garnacho and Fernandes hitting the bar.
Sadly, United appeared to have their fill of goals in the midweek when every opportunity was turned down to enter half-time 0-0.
The game was equal overall, and the opportunities kept coming; but, the greatest save of the second half went to Onana, who managed an amazing double save to maintain the level of play.
And level it would remain until 90 as United were left to regret lost opportunities on a day Erik ten Hag could have taken many positives from their football.
The players assigned the following ratings:
Andre Onana; number seven.
In the first half, had nothing save an Eze shot squarely aimed at him. Come alive in the second to do an absurd double halt on sheer reflexes. radiates confidence currently.
Mazraoui, 7.5 noussaire
Amazing how fast he has developed at Old Trafford becoming another “Mr Dependable.” Does his work with little disturbance, supports in attack, cool on the ball, tough in defense.
Matthijs de Ligt – seven
For the rest of the Premier League, his improvement game-by- game is unsettling. Ordering in defense, aerial danger in attack, and a rising leader.
Lisandro Martinez, number 7
Had a fortuitous opportunity in the box to lead United but was thwarted by Dean Henderson. secure in defense.
Diogo Dalot: Eight
Does Erik ten Hag have a more interesting success story? sensational once more in the inverted full-back position. So great that Ten Hag would object to get a conventional left-footer there!
Christian Eriksen: Seven
Though his choice against a physical Palace raised questions, he performed his work effectively, swiftly pushing the ball ahead. results in a significant set-piece improvement, a bonus.
Kobbie Mainoo at 6.5
He appears another class when the team is on top and he has choices to run with forward. He did a world of good with the midweek respite.
Bruno Fernandes has a 6.5.
Made a fantastic opportunity for Zirkzee/Garnacho with a first half searching ball from the right flank. On a volley, strike the bar. a certain sloppiness in passing.Amad – seven
Usually feels as though he possesses the ball will bring about something. goes out wide, cuts inside, and is a general problem to guard against.
Alejandro Garnacho: 6.5
His own success has victimized this rating. While fluffed some wonderful opportunities when he was there, he made fantastic runs that puts him in perfect position to score. United ought to have disappeared from view in the first half alone.
Joshua Zirkzee, 6.5
His link-up play takes front stage when he has an attack-minded forward arrangement around him. Designed a fantastic opportunity for Garnacho and pretty almost scored with one of his own.
Reversals
Marcus Rashford number six.
Having scored twice as the striker midweek, came to play on the left. Could not accomplish much as Palace’s first-half performance grew better.
Manuel Ugarte, six
After arriving, gave away a few cheap fouls; never stopped aiming the ball forward. Motivating cameo.
Rasmus Hojlund: Six
Clearly rusty on comeback, but provides more directness and goal threat than Zirkzee, which United will surely be employing as the season runs on.Manchester United’s 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace broke their short two-game winning run, despite dominating much of the match and creating numerous scoring chances. Both Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes hit the bar in the first half, but the team failed to capitalize on their opportunities.
United controlled the game and continued creating chances, but the most memorable moment of the second half belonged to goalkeeper Andre Onana, who made an outstanding double save to keep the match level. Though United will rue their missed chances, Erik ten Hag will find positives in their overall performance, especially in how they controlled the game and the contributions of key players.
**Player Ratings:**
– **Andre Onana (7):** Had little to do in the first half but came alive in the second with an incredible double save. His confidence is evident.
– **Noussair Mazraoui (7.5):** Continues to impress as a reliable figure, contributing defensively and offensively with composure.
– **Matthijs de Ligt (7):** A commanding presence in defense and an aerial threat in attack, showing improvement every game.
– **Lisandro Martinez (7):** Solid at the back and almost scored, only to be denied by Dean Henderson.
– **Diogo Dalot (8):** Exceptional in the inverted full-back role, offering creativity and solidity in defense. One of Ten Hag’s most intriguing success stories.
– **Christian Eriksen (7):** Played well in a role that raised some eyebrows due to Palace’s physicality, but his set-piece delivery was a big plus.
– **Kobbie Mainoo (6.5):** Looked a class apart when United were on top, though less effective as Palace grew into the game.
– **Bruno Fernandes (6.5):** Created some great chances, including one for Zirkzee and Garnacho, but was guilty of some sloppy passing.
– **Amad Diallo (7):** A constant threat, whether cutting inside or staying wide, giving Palace’s defense plenty of problems.
– **Alejandro Garnacho (6.5):** Made excellent runs but wasted a few clear chances, which could have put the game out of reach early on.
– **Joshua Zirkzee (6.5):** Linked up well with his teammates and almost scored, but his influence faded as the game progressed.
**Substitutes:**
– **Marcus Rashford (6):** Played on the left but couldn’t replicate his midweek form, struggling to make an impact.
– **Manuel Ugarte (6):** Energetic but gave away a few fouls. Still, he was forward-thinking in his brief cameo.
– **Rasmus Højlund (6):** Rusty on his return but showed promise with his directness and goal threat.
United’s inability to convert chances left them frustrated, but there were positives to build on as the season progresses.
