What did Manchester United’s match against Crystal Palace show? If he’s happy with a one-goal lead, significant change won’t come

As it has happened to Manchester United several times this season, after scoring the goal that put them in the lead, the players gradually lost the desire to score another goal and this time not even luck stood by them, which they have already chosen countless times this season, and only a point is added to the table thanks to a great goal by Michael Olise in injury time.

The reason? The satisfaction of a one-goal lead, which certainly doesn’t pay in the Premier League. The Red Devils have often got away with it this season, thanks to the aforementioned luck.

The stats say that no fewer than 11 of the 21 games won have ended by just one goal, a statistic that has been greatly helped by a run of wins after Christmas.

You might argue that’s not a bad statistic. But let’s compare these stats with Manchester City, who in 19 games have won by one goal on only 5 occasions, otherwise clearly dominating the game by at least two goals. And we are still talking about the fact that they are not Pep Guardiola’s charges in ideal form.

Even looking at the table and especially the form of the last few rounds, again, many might take the above criticism of Manchester United as silly. However, Erik ten Hag’s charges are presenting themselves in the first duels with tougher opponents in practically the same way as in the autumn – after scoring a goal that puts them in the lead, they try above all to keep the winning condition.

However, that’s exactly what they did against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night when Olise scored with a superb shot from a direct kick at the very end to take 3 points from United. Although it must be added that the away side were very active from about the 55th minute onwards, keeping the ball on their feet in over 64% of possession, they lacked the drive on goal and the desire to secure the lead.

The Red Devils are now doing well though, as they are currently level on points with the Citizens behind Arsenal, with their city rivals having a game in hand.

However, we have to take into account the fact that most top English clubs are going through a crisis, the whole thing is so reminiscent of the 2017/18 season under Jose Mourinho, in which they finished second behind the sovereign Manchester City.

Only this aforementioned season, the competition looked quite similar and the following season, which was dominated by the Citizens and United finished 6th, only confirmed it.

Manchester United need to continue to play well after scoring the goal that puts them in the lead, to show the strength they possess, otherwise they will be needlessly losing points just like they did at Selhurst Park.

Source: Whoscored, Manchester United, Twitter