Premier League
Manchester United And Crystal Palace Share Spoils In Frustrating Match
Manchester United had to settle for a single point despite a dominant performance by Erik ten Hag’s team in their 0-0 Premier League draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
This outcome marks a disappointing chapter for the Red Devils, who are now winless in their last five visits to Palace (D3, L2).
After a promising start to the international break with back-to-back wins, Erik ten Hag’s side will likely feel they missed an opportunity to gather vital points, especially against a Palace team that has struggled in the early part of the season.
United’s Missed Opportunities
From the start, Manchester United looked to assert their authority, controlling possession and creating several opportunities.
The first significant chance came shortly after the kickoff when Joshua Zirkzee expertly played Alejandro Garnacho through on goal. The Argentine forward, however, was stopped by former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who produced a brilliant save to deny the opening goal.
Henderson would continue to be a thorn in United’s side, showing his quick reflexes once again when he saved a powerful header from Matthijs de Ligt, using his feet to keep the scoreline level.
Despite United’s pressing game and their consistent dominance of possession, they ended the first half without breaking the deadlock.
Henderson’s heroics left the visitors with a sense of frustration, especially when Garnacho failed to convert another chance, this time from a flick-on by Zirkzee following a cross from Bruno Fernandes.
On the counter, Crystal Palace, led by the ever-dangerous Eberechi Eze, presented a threat of their own. However, his effort was tame and easily dealt with by goalkeeper André Onana.
Tactical Changes and Continued Frustration
Unhappy with the first-half performance, Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner made a strategic double switch at halftime, introducing Ismaïla Sarr and Jefferson Lerma to invigorate his squad.
The substitute’s impact was felt almost immediately as Sarr and Eze combined for a threatening attack, only for a United defender to block the resulting effort a clear indication that it was game on for the home side.
However, United quickly regained control of the match. Fernandes, aware of the growing urgency, nearly broke the deadlock with a powerful shot from the edge of the box, but his effort spun narrowly past the post.
As the second half progressed, Ten Hag introduced Marcus Rashford in hopes he could ignite a spark in the United front line and continue his goal-scoring streak.
Just when it looked like United would find their rhythm and possibly clinch the win, Crystal Palace had their moment of danger.
Onana was called into action once more, pulling off a remarkable double save to deny Eddie Nketiah and then reacting quickly to deflect Sarr’s rebound.
Controversies and Final Whistles
As the final whistle blew, neither team found the winning goal, settling for a draw. Crystal Palace secured their third point of the season, a slight silver lining in a difficult campaign so far, while Manchester United departed Selhurst Park frustrated, having dominated the match but lacking the clinical finishing that is essential for success.
