It was a disappointing outing in Croydon as Manchester United failed to make the most of their chances, combined with some excellent goalkeeping from former Red Devils keeper Dean Henderson.
Erik ten Hag left out Marcus Rashford, who picked up form as of late. ten Hag suggested that leaving Rashford out was simply due to rotational purposes.
It was a completely different-looking United side from the one that demolished Barnsley 7-0 in the Carabao Cup a few days ago. Amad Diallo returned on the right while Joshua Zirkzee started up top. Christian Eriksen was given his third successive start after a brilliant display in midweek, while Andre Onana also returned between the sticks. Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes also returned to the starting XI.
The first half was a contrasting performance compared to United's previous visit to Selhurst Park in May last season, where the visitors were thrashed 4-0.
Garnacho's being retained in the starting lineup almost bore fruit when he got the game's first chance to score, but he was denied by Dean Henderson. United pushed to find the opener when a corner was headed towards goal by De Ligt, only for Henderson to keep that one out as well. The Red Devils kept knocking on the door after yet another Garnacho shot struck the crossbar, and the ball fell in the path of Bruno Fernandes, who astonishingly also struck the crossbar with his rebound.
The second half saw United take their foot off the gas a little as Palace pushed to find a goal themselves. This urgency from Palace brought about United's defensive highlight of the day courtesy of Andre Onana's double save. Eddie Nketiah charged towards the Red Devils' box and took a shot from just outside the penalty area which Onana saved from his left hand. The rebound came to Ismaila Sarr, who simply had to poke it into the net, but a superhuman save from Onana kept the score level.
Manchester United are right to be disappointed not to come back with all three points and will hope that when they do dominate such games in the future, the result favors them. Here is how each United player fared in today's game:
Andre Onana - 9/10
Didn't have much to do the entire game until he pulled off a miraculous double save from Nketiah and Sarr. He now has three clean sheets in five Premier League games this season.
Noussair Mazraoui - 7/10
Had a good outing against Eberechi Ezi. Although he was made uncomfortable at times, it was yet another astute defensive performance from the Morrocan.
Matthijs de Ligt - 8/10
A fantastic save from Dean Henderson denied the Dutchman his second Premier League goal. He has found his footing in the team's defense after the defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Lisandro Martinez - 6/10
Defensively he was mostly calm. However, he was lucky to have played the entire 90 minutes after a horrendous stomp could have easily earned him a straight red card.
Diogo Dalot - 7/10
It matters little which wing he plays on because he has been one of United's most consistent players since last season. Was unlucky not to have gotten an assist from Garnacho's shot that rifled off the bar. A constant threat on the left.
Kobbie Mainoo - 7/10
Yet another neat display whenever the ball came to his feet, however with Eriksen starting beside him, he definitely wasn't played to create attack after attack.
Christian Eriksen - 6/10
Managed to roll back the years against Barnsley but lost the ball several times in midfield today. He was also denied an assist from a corner kick after de Ligt's header was saved by Henderson.
Bruno Fernandes - 5/10
A game to forget from the captain as he missed two solid chances to give United the lead. Failed to create for his forwards in this game and couldn't put his own chances away. Needs to do much better as the team's skipper and main creator.
Amad Diallo - 5/10
His quietest game of the season so far. Did very little to trouble Tyrick Mitchell and was substituted in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee - 6/10
Managed to make things tick by linking up play but was unable to create more than a single chance for himself.
Alejandro Garnacho - 5/10
Managed to get into some great positions for all his chances but couldn't finish any of them. Needs to be more decisive in front of goal.
Marcus Rashford - 5/10
Did little to trouble the opposition after coming off the bench.
Rasmus Hojlund - 6/10
United will be happy to have him back as competition for the number nine spot with Zirkzee. Couldn't impact today's game after being subbed on.
Manuel Ugarte - 6/10
ten Hag said that he will be integrating Ugarte slowly in the team to suit the Premier League's pace. Will definitely come good as the season
Our Europa League campaign gets underway on Wednesday when Dutch side Twente visit us at Old Trafford.
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