Crystal Palace vs Manchester United Summary
Manchester United fell to defeat in Ralf Rangnick’s final game in charge, losing 1-0 to Crystal Palace. Despite the defeat, United managed to secure Europa League qualification, as West Ham also fell to defeat at Brighton. Former Red Devils player Wilfried Zaha got the only goal in the game. New manager Erik ten Hag was also in attendance at Selhurst Park.
The Reds began the game brightly with Edinson Cavani, Bruno Fernandes and Anthony Elanga all seeing plenty of the ball. Hannibal Mejbri, who made his full Premier League debut, was also impressive in the early stages of the match, pressing the opposition into errors. Cavani found himself in a promising position, but decided to cut it back rather than shoot and Palace were able to clear their lines. Elanga showed his electric pace to get past Tyrick Mitchell and should have given his side the lead. The youngster dragged his shot wide from close range, when he should have hit the target. Fernandes stuck a leg out but was unable to reach the ball.
However, the home side grew into the game and had chances of their own. David de Gea made two superb saves to deny Zaha and Schlupp from close range. However, the keeper was unable to get near Zaha’s effort, which found the bottom left corner. The Reds conceded yet another calamitous goal, which came from their own individual errors. Fernandes recklessly gave the ball away to Zaha, who cut in from the left flank with ease and opened the scoring. Diogo Dalot and Victor Lindelof were far too passive in their defending and almost stood off Zaha, giving him all the time in the world to pick his spot.
Mejbri shines in second half against Crystal Palace
Rangnick’s men did improve in the second half with Mejbri being United’s brightest spark. The Frenchman made a great run into the penalty area and was denied by Joel Ward’s last-ditch block. Mejbri then tested Guaita with a long-range effort, however the Palace keeper tipped his effort over the bar. Alejandro Garancho came off the bench and came close to making an instant impact. The Argentinian came within inches from meeting Fernandes’ low cross and levelling the score.
The final whistle went, putting an end to United’s disastrous season. The Reds managed to avoid the Europa Conference league and finished the season in sixth.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Player Ratings:
David de Gea 6/10
Kept his side in the game in the first half with two superb saves. Could do nothing to prevent Zaha from opening the scoring. A good performance from United’s number one.
Diogo Dalot 3/10
Was second-best all game in his duel with Zaha and didn’t offer enough going forward. A poor performance from the fullback.
Victor Lindelof 4/10
Similar to his performance against Brighton, passive and no conviction in his defending. Like Dalot, he was run around all game by Zaha. Likely to be at the club next season, but won’t be a regular.
Harry Maguire 6/10
A decent performance on his return. The left-side of the defence was much more stable and therefore wasn’t targeted as much. Probably his last game as captain for the club.
Alex Telles 6/10
Better from the Brazilian. Improved his defensive reading of the game and his ability to get forward and support attacks. This needs to be the minimum requirement for a fullback at the club.
Scott McTominay 3/10
Reckless and ill-disciplined. Was out-fought by Hughes and ultimately lost the midfield battle. Gave away countless free-kicks and struggled to make any kind of impact on the game. His future at the club may be in doubt when Erick Ten Hag begins the summer rebuild.
Fred 5/10
Better than McTominay, but didn’t have that much of an impact either. Tried to progress the ball forward and press when possession has been lost. Couldn’t find that killer pass.
Bruno Fernandes 5/10
Like he did against Watford earlier on in the season, gave away possession recklessly in his own half and this time it was costly. Was United’s best creator and did orchestrate some good openings.
Anthony Elanga 4/10
Was bright and energetic during the opening period, but his influence was lost as the game went on. Didn’t run at Mitchell enough and should have put his side in front in the first half.
Hannibal Mejbri 6/10
United’s best player in this encounter. Pressed the opposition into mistakes, tested the keeper and showed some much needed desire and passion for the club. Could be a player, who forces his way into Ten Hag’s plans.
Edison Cavani 5/10
Should have taken the shooting opportunity in the first half instead of cutting it back. Look like he cared on the pitch, but was involved in an incident with fans after the game.
Substituions:
Juan Mata 6/10
Came off the bench and was lively in his last appearance at United.
Shola Shoretire 5/10
Made his first appearance of the season, but didn’t have sufficient time to make an impact.
Alejandro Garnacho 5/10
Was only on the pitch for minutes and could have levelled the score.
Manager: Ralf Rangnick 5/10
Picked a team of players, who will likely be here next season. However, these players will probably find themselves further down the pecking order under Ten Hag. Rangnick’s tenure was disappointing in the end, however his role next season could be crucial in getting this club back to where it belongs.
