Manchester United’s Hard Luck: Superior Play, No Goals Against Crystal Palace
Manchester United appeared to have recovered from a terrible run before the international break, in which they lost 2-1 to Brighton and 3-0 to Liverpool. A 3-0 win over Southampton and a 7-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barnsley should have set the stage for an ideal comeback run.
However, against Palace on Saturday, the Red Devils suffered a small setback. In one of their best performances, where everything seemed to click and supporters could enjoy watching the team play with style and purpose, the team failed to capitalise on their opportunities.
Bruno Fernandes and Garnacho had the finest chances, but they failed to convert; both had efforts strike the crossbar as United sought a breakthrough.
Despite the frustrations, there are positives for Manchester United
Some United fans may have been disappointed that the squad was unable to secure all three points in that game. However, we can all agree that there were many benefits to that.
Despite accusations of lacking a style and game plan, Manchester United proved they had one. The team is also performing well defensively, having kept three clean sheets in a row.
Given that it is still a fresh defensive setup with the additions of Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt, one can be certain that keeping clean sheets, which was rare last season, will become more common. Andre Onana hasn't had to make a stop every 4 minutes like he used to in the last two Premier League games; he has made saves, but not after being exposed, only when he needed to.
New additions de Ligt, Mazraoui, and Joshua Zirkzee have been fantastic; it would be unjust not to say so. The transfer of de Ligt and Mazraoui to United, which Bayern fans were hoping would not happen, now makes sense. Buying the two for £60 million was a steal.
Mazraoui is technically gifted and dangerous with the ball at his feet, whereas de Ligt is a box defender. Zirkzee, on the other hand, is the x factor in United's attacking play; he hasn't scored any goals yet, but his superb link-up play is making the United assault look more dangerous; all the United attack needs now is efficiency, and it might be the deadliest.
United didn't win versus Crystal Palace, but an average possession of 67%, an 86% passing accuracy, 6 shots on target, hitting the woodwork 3 times, 5 big chances missed, and an XG of 1.70 should give the Red Devils hope that the result didn't give the clear picture of where Ten Hag's team is at.
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