Crystal Palace were brutal on Monday evening in their latest fixture against Manchester United at Selhurst Park.
An injury-stricken Manchester United were toothless and were put to the sword as early as the 13th minute by Michael Olise, who dispatched makeshift centre back Casemiro embarrassingly before a smart finish past a dumbfounded Andre Onana.
United entered the game without the services of captain Bruno Fernandes and defender Harry Maguire, the two latest casualties in a never-ending injury list. Jonny Evans and Mason Mount replaced them in the starting XI.
Playing without the captain who has created the most chances this season for Manchester United, the team failed to create any sparks and were punished further by Jean-Philippe Mateta who made it 2-0 with a peach of a strike, five minutes before the half.
Manager Erik Ten Hag tried to patch the bleeding at half time, but his effort was futile. Just 13 minutes into the second half Tyrick Mitchell opened the wound wider with a third goal before Olise poured salt in the wound with a superlative strike for a fourth and his second of the afternoon.
Manchester United now languish hopelessly 8th on the table with two games to go. While Crystal Palace have now gone five games unbeaten and sit comfortably in 14th. The Red Devils have conceded 81 goals, and they have now equalled the highest number of goals conceded in the club's history since 1977-78. Another unwanted record is that they have now recorded the most losses in a single season, and it can get worse with Arsenal up next Sunday.
Here is how the players rated after a disastrous night in London:
Andre Onana – 5/10
A horrible day between the sticks, not even his heroics could stop the onslaught coupled with another blatant error for Olise’s second goal.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 4/10
A former Eagle who was hoping for a better performance after being welcomed warmly by the home fans at his old stomping ground. Wan-Bissaka was no match to Olise who ‘cooked’ him all game long.
Jonny Evans – 4/10
Rushed back from injury and his rustiness showed he was beaten all ends up by Mateta for the second goal. He did not make an impression as an elder stateman.
Casemiro – 4/10
A game he would love to forget about quickly. Not playing in his preferred position but a player of his statue should not be making those decisions. He was left for dead by Olise for the first goal and the attacking prowess of the Eagles was just too much for him to handle.
Diogo Dalot – 4/10
Ebrechi Eze mesmerized the Portuguese with his marauding runs leaving him chasing shadows. An underwhelming performance by his standards.
Kobbie Mainoo – 4/10
A player with so much talent and a lot to offer this Manchester United team but with sub-par performances from those around him clearly affected his ability to impose himself on the game.
Christian Eriksen – 3/10
Lack pace, guile, and creativity Manchester United seems to be playing one man short with Erikson on the pitch. Much more is needed of him if he is to keep his contract.
Antony – 4/10
With Copa America less than a month away Anthony should be racking up a string of performances to offer himself for selection. But with performances like this it would be easy for Dorival Junior to leave him out of the team for Copa America.
Mason Mount – 4/10
Wearing the iconic number 7 is no easy feat and yet again he has proven how heavy the responsibilities are wearing that shirt. Making his first Premier League start since 2024 shows how off the pace he is.
Alejandro Garnacho – 4/10
His goals had dried up but his desire to get up and down the flank was clear, but he was stifled by Palace wide players.
Rasmus Hojlund – 4/10
Another heart wrenching performance only one shot during the game. The back three of Palace hardly broke a sweat over the 90 minutes.