Manchester United fail to overtake City on Weghorst debut
Manchester United took an early lead and controlled the tempo in the second half against Crystal Palace but conceded a goal in added time
Looking for their sixth consecutive Premier League win, Manchester United were on a mission to overcome Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park in another important Premier League match.
For this away duel, the manager decided to be bold and fielded Weghorst, a youngster who arrived on loan from Burnley only a few days ago.
Moreover, Manchester United had Martinez and Antony as novelties in the starting line-up, with Malacia and Fred being displaced to the bench.
At the other end, Patrick Vieira executed four changes after the defeat to Chelsea last Sunday. Richards started his first Premier League game as he replaced the injured Joachim Andersen in the heart of defence.
Red Devils control the action in first half
Crystal Palace at no point sped up the attacking actions, but tried to occupy the attacking field in the early stages. However, Manchester United began to press more from the 15th minute onwards.
The first big opportunity came in the 23rd minute, after Antony narrowly missed the target after disorganization in the opposing defensive system.
A few minutes later, Weghorst made his first start for the Red Devils after a Luke Shaw cross inside the box, but his header went just over the goal.
David De Gea made a sensational save from Crystal Palace’s only shot on target during the first half after Edouard outmuscled Varane, but it was Bruno Fernandes who opened the scoring when he latched on to Rashford and Eriksen’s neat through ball on the left.
Conservatism hampered Manchester United in final minutes
Palace came back into the second half looking to control possession more, but Manchester United’s defensive organisation was exemplary.
United regained control of possession and controlled the tempo of the match with many touches inside their own box, in a situation that seemed completely dominated.
Ten Hag even inserted Fred in place of Eriksen for the final minutes in a conservative change. However, Crystal Palace needed just one chance on target in injury time to level the tie with Olise surprising goalkeeper De Gea.
Manchester United back on track for big wins
Undeniably manager Erik ten Hag has restored dignity to Manchester United and the Red Devils’ performance was again worthy of praise.
However, the goal conceded in stoppage time brought down the fans’ hopes of overtaking Manchester City and halted their winning streak.
Manchester United risks losing TWO players. dark. Next
A more conservative approach in the second half proved costly for a team in a position to press harder and at least double their lead. Even so, United are still one of the best teams in European football at the moment.