Match Report: Crystal Palace 4:0 Manchester United | Premier League | May 2024
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United made the trip to London to tackle a Crystal Palace side who have quickly adapted to the tactical mindset of their new manager, Oliver Glasner, winning their previous two home fixtures and scoring seven goals.
In contrast, United arrived at Selhurst Park with a solitary league victory to their name since the beginning of April, and they were without the services of the recently injured Harry Maguire and the ever-present figure of club captain Bruno Fernandes.
With a catalogue of absentees to contend with, fans were curious at the prospect of a rare start for the club’s new number seven – Mason Mount, as his selection accompanied yet another variation of a back four to sit in front of André Onana.
In what was a unique first for the Premier League, Referee Jarred Gillett wore a head-mounted camera for the fixture, with footage of the outing collected for a once-off educational programme into officiating. The Eagles partisan support ensured a rapturous atmosphere from his opening whistle, with their confident players feeding off the energy and starting with a spring in their step.
United, characteristically nervy in the opening exchanges, contributed to the majority of their shortcomings, with the aged partnership of Jonny Evans and Casemiro struggling to cope with the early onslaught from the home side’s attractive attack – led by the fit-again trio of Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Jean-Philippe Mateta. Additionally, a poor clearance from Onana caused panic after four minutes, with United scampering to reclaim some composure.
Ten Hag’s side began to grow into the game after the opening five-minute barrage, with Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka becoming increasingly involved in attacking phases. But, this left space behind the defence, and Palace continued to threaten with their confidence in spreading the ball.
With United attempting to add some control to proceedings, Palace continuously looked menacing on the counter, with Eze going close after ten minutes. Shortly after, United target Olise capitalised on some lacklustre play following an irrational Casmeiro lunge in midfield before strolling towards the box and placing a shot beyond Onana for a deserved one-goal lead after 13 minutes.
The onus was now on the away side to compose themselves and work a way back into the game. Despite holding much of the ball and players eager to get involved, there was a distinct lack of certainty in the final third. United had the ball in the net from a set-piece after 27 minutes but Casemiro’s effort was ruled out due to an infringement on former red Dean Henderson – with many in the ground feeling somewhat aggrieved with the decision.
With 40 minutes played, United held 60% possession but had still failed to test Henderson. With continued attempts to push up the field leading to Ten Hag’s side seemingly adamant to gift the ball to their opponents, the ever-impressive Mateta strolled past an aged Evans before hammering the ball past Onana at his near post.
The remainder of the half played out similarly, with United holding the majority of possession without mustering an opportunity on goal. The travelling support was vocal for a sign of passion from their players – with cries of ‘Attack, Attack, Attack’ from the away end. When mr Gillett called a halt to proceedings, Palace comfortably led by two goals to nil at the half. Staggeringly, United had conceded multiple first-half goals in three consecutive top-flight away fixtures for the first time since April 1977.
As play got underway for the start of the second half, Ten Hag opted against making a substitution, much to the surprise of many in the ground. The away side started bright – presumably off the back of a rather angry half-time assessment. Antony managed the side’s first shot on target with a curling effort after 51 minutes of play – but it was easy for Henderson to gather.
Two minutes later, United had the ball in the back of the net again. Casemiro met Christian Eriksen’s free-kick – heading off the bar before bundling the rebound into the net. The Brazilian was well offside, however – leaving no doubt in any spectator’s mind on this occasion.
Palace responded confidently, with the aforementioned attack causing endless issues to the United back line. They added a third after 58 minutes, with Tyrick Mitchell sweeping home from six yards following an impressive passage of play that stretched the Red’s backline.
Ten Hag opted to introduce Sofyan Amrabat on the hour mark, but this did little to quell the onslaught. Glasner’s side added a fourth nine minutes later to the utter shock of the support and bewildered-looking Ten Hag – it was all too easy. Daniel Munoz stole the ball from a tired Casemiro with ease on the line before pulling it back to Olise on the edge of the box, with the talented winger sending an impressive strike past Onana from 20 yards.
United continued to struggle in possession, and Palace continued to pour forward with a barrage of confidence and bravado in their play. Amad Diallo and Ethan Wheatley were introduced with 80 minutes on the clock, although, at that stage, there was little that either could do.
The remainder of the game fizzled out with United managing one more effort on target, while the home side created at will – with 18 attempts and the woodwork struck in injury time. Bizarrely, with the final whistle declaring an emphatic 4-0 win for the Eagles, few would have batted an eyelid if it had been six or seven.
Following another dismal outing which inevitably resulted in defeat – the side’s 13th in 35 outings – Ten Hag’s outfit holds a goal difference of -3 and occupies eighth place. The club has not finished with a negative figure since 1989-90, when they placed 13th under Sir Alex Ferguson with 16 defeats, although they did manage to win an FA Cup.
For Palace, their impressive form under Glasner continues and it is three successive home wins for his side – as the Eagles record a first league double over United in the club’s history.
Next up for the Reds is a home fixture against title-challenging Arsenal on Sunday, May 6. If the daggers were out for Ten Hag before tonight’s fixture, the outpouring of grief in the morning headlines may reach unprecedented levels.
Will Erik ten Hag keep his job at the Theatre of Dreams? Let us know what you think below.
