Manchester United fell to a 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford following another abject attacking showing in the Premier League.
A brace from Jean-Philippe Mateta and a worrying injury to Lisandro Martinez sealed a fourth-consecutive league fixture without a goal against the Londoners as United fell to 13th.
On a day where Ruben Amorim raised plenty of eyebrows with his decision to start without a recognised striker, his side mustered two shots on target from a tally of 17 attempts.
Focus now shifts to Friday’s FA Cup meeting with Leicester, with ample focus on the dying hours of the January transfer window.
Another day, another uninspiring attacking showing from Manchester United
The tragedy of February 6th, 1958, was remembered before kickoff, with both managers laying wreaths in honour of the flowers of Manchester while the Stretford End shared their heartfelt adoration for those who lost their lives in Munich.
Amorim made six changes to the side that saw off FCSB in the Europa League, with the major talking point being his decision to bench both of his striking options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
The home side began brightly and controlled possession throughout the opening periods, with a vibrant trio of Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad causing endless issues with their movement and interchangeability.
United came close twice within six minutes, with Mainoo first teeing up Garnacho for a deflected effort before Amad turned provider as Kobbie struck the woodwork from 15 yards. Acting in a false nine position, the Stockport-born sensation roamed between the channels, and Maxence Lacroix struggled to live with the 19-year-old.
But underestimate Palace at your peril.
Despite having to defend for the opening ten, Daniel Munoz climbed highest at the far post to meet a breakaway counter-cross, and his header sailed inches wide as Andre Onana watched helplessly.
United responded well and maintained plenty of their early promise before Palace enjoyed a positive five minutes of dominance after the opening quarter.
Oliver Glasner stood bemused with head in hands when Tyrick Mitchell’s effort was guided wide by Ismaila Sarr. Old Trafford recognised the shift in fortunes and responded in voice to bolster the men in red.
This is a Crystal Palace side that have enjoyed three victories in their previous five league outings, suffering one loss in six and two in their last twelve. There is an understanding within the Londoner’s squad, and it’s evident with their interplay on the field.
New signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven were in attendance, with the latter taking the number 26 shirt previously worn by Palace keeper Dean Henderson. With 35 minutes played, he had enjoyed his return to M16.
Although United had attempted nine efforts and hit the woodwork, he had yet to make a save.
United held plenty of the ball, but the lack of an outright attacker to lead the line began to show as the half progressed, as the visitor’s back three grew into the fixture.
Mateta has hit four goals in as many games and was denied a fifth by a magnificent Onana save with five to play following an excellent run and chip effort. Ironically, the Cameroonian shot-stopper celebrated his efforts as the ball was steered wide, with the officials missing proceedings to award a goal kick.
With a minute of added time confirmed at the end of the half, signs of Amorim’s intricate philosophy were once more on show through some splendid exchanges. But Martinez drove his effort into the second tier.
An entertaining 45 minutes ended all square, with United scoreless against their opponents in seven consecutive halves of Premier League football.
As is often the case, Ruben opted to retain the same XI that started the fixture despite witnessing a lack of cutting-edge in the final third for approximately two-thirds of the opening half.
I mentioned the lack of activity that Henderson enjoyed on his return to the Theatre of Dreams in the first. Well, he was called into action after five minutes of the restart through a rasping long-range effort from Bruno Fernandes.
That was the jolt the home crowd required, and they responded in kind!
He was tested again within five minutes through a classy effort from Manuel Ugarte following a well-worked set-piece routine. The 27-year-old was once more on hand to deny his former side.
Eberechi Eze was introduced with a half hour to play despite Glasner confirming his injury issues ahead of the afternoon fixture. His side took the lead two minutes later through Mateta, following a looping Lacroix header that hit the woodwork, leaving the easiest tap-in for the in-form French hitman.
In what feels like Groundhog Day, Manchester United conceded first. It was the 14th time this season, with the home side losing 11. Amorim responded by introducing both Zirkzee and Hojlund with 20 minutes to play. Noussair Mazraoui and Mainoo made way.
Worryingly, Martinez was stretchered off the field after 76 minutes with a knee injury from an innocuous passage of play with Sarr. With so much of his Manchester career blighted with injury layoffs, it is a sickening visual for the Old Trafford faithful.
We can only hope the outcome is better than the initial response looked.
Matthijs de Ligt replaced the Argentine as a concerned-looking Manchester side attempted to compose themselves following a prolonged period of inactivity.
Inevitably, as the home side pressed forward for an equaliser, Palace broke on the counter-attack and sliced through the United defence with consummate ease.
Mateta slotted his second of the game with another straightforward tap-in with disenchantment etched on the faces of those in attendance.
The linesman signalled nine minutes of additional time following the stoppage to Martinez, but the game was effectively over as a competition.
Palace were deserving winners and leapfrog United in the table, with the Reds picking up their 11th defeat from 24 Premier League fixtures.
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