Four months on from a forgettable drubbing in Selhurst Park, a much-improved Manchester United did everything but score against Crystal Palace.
Despite a dominant performance with 71% possession and 16 efforts on goal, the game somehow ended in a scoreless draw, leaving Erik ten Hag scratching his head in bemusement.
Undoubtedly, the Dutchman will be pleased with his side’s efforts throughout, with stylish football complemented by intricate passages of play.
But, when all is said and done, tactical precision and eye-catching individual displays will rue the two points left behind in London.
Frustration is the overwhelming feeling
Coming into this evening’s fixture with the momentum of back-to-back wins, Marcus Rashford was a surprise member of the substitutes bench.
That said, his replacement caused havoc on the left as Alejandro Garnacho terrorised Oliver Glasner’s side with his endless running behind.
But, despite the best efforts of the Argentine, former United shot-stopper Dean Henderson was determined to deny his old employer.
Joshua Zirkzee supplied the winger his first opportunity following a sumptuous pass, but he could not find a way past the Palace number-one.
Moments later, Henderson somehow denied Matthijs de Ligt’s point-blank header, preventing the opportunity with a trailing leg.
Garnacho was halted again following another ball from the impressive Zirkzee – before the youngster and Bruno Fernandes took turns smashing the woodwork.
Eberechi Eze is always a threat on the counterattack and crafted his side’s sole opportunity at the end of the half.
Despite having little to do outside his playmaking, Andre Onana kept the scores level.
Frustrated at the break, Glasner introduced Ismaila Sarr and Jefferson Lerma with a stern sense of urgency.
Alongside Eze, the trio offered a glimmer of hope for the partisan support spurring the London contingent into life.
Palace were far more compact in their structure and predominantly focused on specific breaks through their pacey attack.
It presented a different dynamic in the second 45, with United now conscious of their threat.
But the visitors quickly regained control of the contest, with Bruno offering himself repeatedly outside the area and Christian Eriksen enjoying ample possession to orchestrate matters.
Onana was called into action late in the half, first saving an Eddie Nketiah effort from 18 yards before masterfully rising to deny Sarr the rebound.
In response, Ten Hag introduced Rashford, Manuel Ugarte and Rasmus Hojlund, but the trio couldn’t alter their side’s fortunes.
On a day when United demonstrated undeniable patterns of play, ruthless control and attractive transitions, a combination of Henderson and the woodwork prevailed.
Naturally, the Dutchman was questioned afterwards regarding his decision to omit Rashford – “just rotation”, he said in response. “I’m very happy with Marcus, with everything.
“The only thing I can criticise is we were not clinical”.
Lisandro Martinez can expect a significant portion of the post-match conversation following his yellow card shortly after the hour mark.
Although there was no contact, the defender opted to leap into a challenge with Daichi Kamada – with both feet inevitably leaving the ground in a potentially dangerous manner.
Despite the inevitable backlash to come, the Premier League quickly clarified the decision via their match centre.
Focus shifts to a Wednesday visit of FC Twente in the Europa League, with the complications of midweek activity set to offer a new dynamic.
What did you make the latest Manchester United trip to Selhurst Park?
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