Football
No movement and no ideas. Manchester United lost to Crystal Palace at home in difficult conditions
After another unconvincing performance, Manchester United dropped points at home. It was raining heavily in Manchester throughout the match, but the Red Devils were unable to create any chances and deservedly lost.
Manchester United started off promisingly and were very dominant on the ball until Joachim Andersen’s opening goal in the 25th minute, keeping the ball on their hoof 76% of the time.
However, it was the visitors who were able to assert themselves and went on to keep a close eye on Sam Johnstone’s goal, who notched his third nil this season.
Nothing changed for the rest of the game as Manchester United continued to conquer the opposition’s solid block. However, no one could come up with any surprise passes that would lead to any major chances.
A couple of crosses into the box, especially to Rasmus Hojlund, did not celebrate success either. So it could be said that we witnessed the worst performance by the Red Devils this season.
It confirmed the criticism that has been coming at Erik ten Hag from all sides in recent weeks. The team completely lacks creativity and movement itself. The players then have no choice but to play handball and it often ends up with a centre into the box, which this time did not celebrate success.
When compared to Manchester City or Arsenal, who are trying to work their way combinatively to chances, it is clear to everyone that Manchester United have a big job ahead of them.
Just like at the very start of the season, we are now seeing futile efforts from Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes, who are increasingly being helped by the flankers converging in the middle of the park. Today in the form of Diogo Dalot and Soyan Amrabat.
It’s not a success though, the interplay between the players in midfield is virtually non-existent and the fringe forwards don’t know how to do much either. Add to that the weather like today and it becomes a similar misery that we have seen several times this season, even on a sunny day.
Manchester United are simply not playing to their full potential, the question is what could change that…
Source: Manchester United, Premier League, Whoscored