Manchester United left Selhurst Park with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday, despite a dominant performance that saw them create countless chances but fail to convert them into goals. Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils’ manager, expressed his disappointment with his team’s lack of ruthlessness, emphasizing that they should have secured a victory.
The match was a stark contrast to the humiliating 4-0 defeat United suffered at the same ground just four months earlier. This time, they controlled the game from the outset, with Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes particularly threatening in attack. The first half saw Garnacho and Fernandes both hit the crossbar in quick succession, highlighting United’s inability to capitalize on their dominance.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper, Dean Henderson, who now plays for Crystal Palace, played a vital role in keeping his side in the game. He denied Garnacho, Matthijs de Ligt, and Lisandro Martinez, making several key saves that prevented United from breaking the deadlock.
The second half witnessed a more balanced encounter, with Palace creating more opportunities. However, it was Andre Onana, the former Ajax goalkeeper now playing for Manchester United, who made a double save to deny Palace their first Premier League win of the season.
Despite the missed chances and the frustrating result, the performance offered a glimmer of hope for Manchester United. The Red Devils had previously shown impressive form, scoring 10 goals in their last two matches, but they seemed to lack the same sharpness and clinical edge on Saturday. This draw leaves them in 11th place in the Premier League table, with only two wins from their opening five matches.
Palace, on the other hand, will be relieved to have escaped with a point, with the result leaving them in 16th place. The Eagles will be hoping to build on this draw and challenge for a higher position in the coming weeks.
