Manchester United’s title hopes were dealt a huge blow at Selhurst Park, with Michael Olise grabbing all the headlines with a stoppage time equaliser. The Reds took the lead through skipper Bruno Fernandes, however Palace winger Olise found the back of the net in the dying moments with a sensational free kick. United were dealt another blow ahead of their heavyweight clash against Arsenal , as Casemiro was booked and will consequently miss the game on Sunday.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United Match Summary:
Erik ten Hag made a few changes to the side, which came out victorious in the Manchester derby, with Wout Weghorst making his debut. The Red Devils began the game brightly with Eriksen and Fernandes seeing plenty of the ball. However, it was Palace who had the first real chance of the game.
David de Gea acrobatically tipped Odsonne Édouard effort over the goal and United were let off. With half time fast approaching, ten Hag’s men took the lead through Fernandes. Danish playmaker Eriksen found Fernandes in the box and the Portuguese international found the top corner.
In the second half, the hosts grew into the came, while United became more complacent. De Gea was forced into yet another save; this time he denied Guehi from close-range. The visitors were then denied a clear-cut penalty when McTominay was taken out in the box. However, VAR didn’t think there was an obvious error and no penalty was given.
Minutes later and things went from bad to worse for the away side. Following some poor passing, Casemiro found himself one on one with Wilfried Zaha. The Brazilian made a foul and got a costly yellow, which will see him miss the clash against Arsenal.
Olise then added salt to the United wounds by scoring a free kick in the late stages of the game. Casemiro and Garnacho both came close to giving United the lead again, however the Eagles held on to secure a 1-1 draw.
Crystal Palace vs Manchester United Player Ratings:
David De Gea 7/10
Made two great saves to deny Edouard and Guehi. Could do nothing to prevent Olise’s effort from finding the top corner. Yet another superb performance from the Spaniard.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 9/10
A phenomenal performance from the former Palace player. Got the United up the pitch and was a constant threat on the right flank. Defended brilliantly against Zaha and made a vital last-ditch tackle to deny Zaha in the closing stages. The resurgence of the fullback under ten Hag has been incredible. A man of the match display.
Raphael Varane 8/10
A solid display from the Frenchman. Won almost all of his duels and was particularly impressive in the air. Calm and composed with the ball at his feet.
Lisandro Martinez 7/10
Equally impressive as Varane, but did receive a booking for a cynical foul on Olise. His extensive passing range was on show again at Selhurst Park.
Luke Shaw 6/10
Back in his usual left-back role and saw his effort whistle wide in the first half. Struggled late on when Palace piled on the pressure.
Casemiro 6/10
Another impressive display as expected from the Brazilian. Dictated proceedings and was solid defensively. Was rightly booked and his absence at the Emirates could be costly.
Bruno Fernandes 7/10
Continued his scoring form with a delightful finish into the roof of the net. Became less effective when switched to the right flank.
Christian Eriksen 7/10
Grabbed an assist and found Fernandes in the box. Made some brilliant passes and worked tremendously hard off the ball. Some of his passes were wasted by United’s complacent front three.
Antony 5/10
A wasteful performance from the winger. Made threatening counter attacks lose their momentum and didn’t use his electric pace to his advantage. Needs to improve his overall game as his performance are below par when he dosen’t score.
Marcus Rashford 5/10
His worst game since the restart. Just wasn’t his night with his usual directness and trickery not materialising into anything threatening. Involved in the build-up of the Fernandes goal.
Wout Weghorst 5/10
A quiet debut. Dragged two defenders away that allowed Fernandes to get his goal. Linked well with his teammates but was anonymous for large periods in the game. Showed glimpses of his ability.
Subs
Scott McTominay 5/10
Should of won a penalty, but the ref and VAR waved it away.
Alejandro Garnacho 6/10
Energetic cameo. Tested the keeper late on.
Fred 4/10
Lost possession in a costly area and Shaw brought down a player to stop the transition. Palace then scored from the free kick.
Manager: Erik ten Hag 6/10
Picked a very strong side, which should have comfortably beat this Palace side. The Reds began the game with intent, but were far too sloppy with the ball. Perhaps should of replaced Casemiro earlier on in the game to avoid him getting booked.
