United were the better side against Crystal Palace on Saturday evening but could not break down the defiant Eagles’ defence – United lacked a true goalscorer in the draw
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United recently claimed a 3-0 win over Southampton, followed by a 7-0 Carabao Cup victory against Barnsley, with braces from Christian Eriksen, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford.
Despite Rashford’s recent scoring form, he started on the bench at Selhurst Park. Eriksen made his third consecutive start, while new signing Manuel Ugarte remained on the bench. Lisandro Martinez partnered Matthijs de Ligt in central defence, following their strong display at St Mary’s.
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The first major chance came at the 10-minute mark when Joshua Zirkzee played through Alejandro Garnacho, leaving him one-on-one with Palace goalkeeper Henderson, but Garnacho was unable to convert. Shortly after, Christian Eriksen’s corner found Matthijs de Ligt, who directed a powerful header, but Henderson once again made a crucial save. United dominated the opening period, enjoying the majority of possession as Crystal Palace struggled to create opportunities.
Garnacho came close on 27 minutes when his looping shot hit the crossbar, and Bruno Fernandes’ follow-up also struck the woodwork. Palace had a rare chance just before half-time when Tyrick Mitchell’s cutback found Eberechi Eze, but his shot went straight into Andre Onana’s hands.
In the second half, United continued to press, but Palace defended resolutely. Onana was tested on 65 minutes by Eddie Nketiah’s shot, which rebounded to Ismaila Sarr, only for Onana to deny him again. Palace’s best chance came in the 72nd minute, but Eze fired wide, much to the relief of United fans.
Despite United’s dominance, they lacked the cutting edge to find a breakthrough. The draw leaves them in 11th place, with their next Premier League fixture against Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs at Old Trafford on Sunday, 29 September.
The pairing of Martinez and De Ligt seems to have brought a sense of calm to the defensive unit. De Ligt’s height proved vital at both ends of the pitch and the typically bullish Martinez fended off the powerful Jean-Phillipe Mateta despite their differences in stature. The Red Devils’ defenders limited Palace to just one shot on goal during the first 45 minutes of proceedings.
Excellent Eriksen
The Danish midfielder was linked with a departure during the summer transfer window but looks as determined as ever at the moment. He has started United’s last three games and even bagged himself a brace in midweek.
His patience, class and eye for a pass were there for all to see in the early stages, and he could have had a couple of early assists if his teammates brought their shooting boots. Early in the second half, his pinpoint ball found Amad, who could not quite bring it under control.
Honest Amad
The Ivorian was preferred on the right flank once again, following a decent performance at St Mary’s. He endured a quiet first-half but was his usual tidy self when receiving the ball. The winger was not afraid to drop deep to feel the ball at his feet while Garnacho stretched the Eagles’ defence on the opposite flank. He almost had the opener early in the second half but his curling shot deflected over the crossbar.
Hardworking Zirkzee
Although he plays as a central striker, Zirkzee showed all the signs of being a ‘footballer’ rather than a typical goalscorer. Against Palace, he regularly dropped deep to receive the ball allowing the wingers to run beyond him, which created chances from different angles.
He may have had the opener before half-time if it was not for Henderson’s heroics. Although not totally settled, in time, the Dutchman could prove an important player for Ten Hag. Early in the second half, his cushioned layoff found Fernandes who went close to opening the scoring. As promising as he looks, Zirkzee looks more of a ‘number 10’ than the traditional striker United thought they needed.
Threatening Garnacho
The young Argentine, would have hoped to have a couple of goals going in at the break but a combination of Henderson and the woodwork frustrated the positive winger. He caused the Palace defence issues all evening and on another day could have bagged a couple of goals. Once again, his second-half curler looked destined for goal but Henderson parried wide.
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