3 things learned as Manchester United make history against Crystal Palace

Manchester United defeated Crystal Palace 3-1 last night at Selhurst Park securing an eighth consecutive away win in all competitions, which has since been confirmed as a new club record. Romelu Lukaku and Ashley Young scored the goals in a clinical victory, but what did we learn from the match?

Full-back Diogo Dalot can play further forward

When the starting lineup was named last night, many were intrigued to see whether Solskjaer would select a blossoming academy graduate or whether he would tinker the formation and go for a more experienced body.

However, Solskjaer picked a man who almost fits both categories. Diogo Dalot is still in his teenage years and does not turn 20 until mid-March, but he also has a handful of first-team appearances.

But even with Dalot included in the XI, some speculated whether he would slot in at right-back with Ashley Young being played further forward. But it was the Portuguese-man who was asked to move higher up the pitch and play on the right-wing.

His contribution was a positive one as well. We know Dalot has a lot of technical ability in the attacking third and some have questioned his defensive capabilities this season too, therefore, playing on the right-wing was a great opportunity for the youngster to show off his strengths. It also gives Solskjaer another option going forward in the case of further injuries.

We now know who James Garner is

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer referred to “Jimmy” as “a Michael Carrick but 20 years younger” at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. Both quotes telling us a lot about the young James Garner, before he even stepped onto the pitch late on against Crystal Palace.

Garner has featured for the Manchester United under-18 and reserves this season. He also has represented his country at under-17 level, captaining the Three Lions to the semi-finals of the European Championships last spring. That summer he was included in Jose Mourinho’s preseason tour of the USA and also signed his first pro contract at the club.

The top four race could go right down to the wire

Manchester United currently sit in fifth place in the Premier League table although they could fall back down to sixth if Chelsea were to win their game in hand. Despite this, there are only three points currently separating the Blues, United and Arsenal.

The race for fourth place, and the final lucrative Champions League qualification spot, is really starting to hot up as we enter the last few months of the season. At one point back in December under different stewardship, fans would have never believed The Red Devils could be involved in the hunt.

However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men certainly are and it appears as though the matches against the ‘Top Six’ could define who finishes where. United have three matches against Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea to come, whereas the two London clubs have only two games against ‘Top Six’ sides.