Manchester United: Four Key Matches That Defined Their Season
4. August 24, 2019, United loses to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford
Manchester United started the season by taking Chelsea apart, followed by drawing against Wolves. The mood around Old Trafford was cautiously optimistic as Crystal Palace came to visit on the third matchday. However, most expected the Red Devils would prevail.
Solskjaer put out his ideal line-up, which included Paul Pogba, who flirted with clubs in Italy and Spain over the summer before settling back to United. United’s three new signings also started this game as Maguire played at center-back, Wan-Bissaka at right-back, and James at the right-wing.
Crystal Palace appeared to be content on allowing the Red Devils to maintain possession while hunkering down, waiting to see if they could break them down. Despite a barrage of scoring chances, the Eagles defense held firm, at least initially.
In the 31st minute, Victor Lindelof missed the ball in an aerial duel, which allowed it to get to the feet of Jordan Ayew in open space, who was able to drive it into the net to give Palace the lead.
Palace Up – Game On At Old Trafford
Marcus Rashford‘s penalty shot hit the post in the sixty-eighth minute to continue MUFC’s frustration. It was Daniel James who scored the equalizer in the 88th minute to give the Old Trafford hope for a result.
It was ripped away like a bandage in stoppage time as Patrick van Aanholt got a shot past David de Gea’s arms for the game-winner. The final was 2-1 in favor of Crystal Palace. It was their first victory at Old Trafford in 30 years.
The result left many, including myself, to rant on social media: It’s been 30 years!
The Red Devils had 22 shots on goal leading to an expected goal ratio of (xG) of 2.24, but only three shots were on target, leading to one goal. Conversely, Palace’s xG was 0.68 on just five total shots but scored two goals.
The match illuminated a trend that would play out for the remainder of the season for Solskjaer. Against “weaker” clubs, United would control possession. However, they would lack the imagination and ability on the pitch to generate substantial goal-scoring opportunities.
This was not the only trend that would develop for Manchester United.