Manchester United got their revenge on Crystal Palace, beating them 2-1 at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes put the Reds ahead inside five minutes from the penalty spot and Marcus Rashford continued his fine form in front of goal to make it 2-0. Casemiro was sent off following a brawl between the United and Palace players.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Match Summary:
Erik ten Hag made two changes to the side, which beat Forest in midweek, with Marcus Rashford and David de Gea returning to the side. The hosts came flying out the traps and took the game to the visitors. There was a real sense of urgency to United’s play, who were pressing Palace into submission.
The Red Devils were given a penalty when VAR intervened to penalise Will Hughes for having his arm too far away from his body. The Palace midfielder prevented Rashford’s cross from reaching the box and was therefore interfering with the play.
From 12 yards out, Fernandes made no mistakes and put his side 1-0 up. However, the Reds knew that they would need that second goal and kept pressing high up the pitch. Ten Hag’s men were at their creative best and had multiple opportunities to extend the lead.
Wout Weghorst almost found the back of the net with a looping header but Guaita made a great save to deny the striker. The keeper made another save minutes later, this time denying Rashford from a tight-angle.
Second Half
United became complacent towards the end of the first half and started the second half in the same manner. The Red Devils were no longer doing quick one-two’s and instead were losing possession in dangerous areas. Consequently, The Eagles grew into the game and began to have more joy in the final third.
Despite this, United turned on the style and made it 2-0 with a beautifully worked goal. Following some intricate build up play, Shaw found Rashford, who poked it past the Palace keeper to make it 2-0. The momentum in the game changed drastically, when Casemiro was given a straight red for violent conduct.
The defensive midfielder reacted angrily to Antony being pushed into the advertising board and after a length VAR check, the Brazilian was given his marching orders. After the game, Ten Hag urged VAR to be more consistent, as it appeared that Fred was also hit by Ayew. With United down to ten, Palace began to string more and more attacks together and eventually found a breakthrough.
Schlupp found the back of the net from close-range and tensions began to rise inside Old Trafford. De Gea made a save to deny Guehi and also dealt brilliantly with the exodus of crosses into the box late on. The full time whistle went and United had won their 12th consecutive game at home.
Manchester United vs Palace Player Ratings:
David de Gea 7/10
Made a good save in the first half and an even better one in the second half to deny Guehi from close range.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka 7/10
Becoming much better in the final third and his relationship with Antony is growing every game. Pleasing to see his development from a game to game basis.
Raphael Varane 8/10
Didn’t have much to do until United were reduced to ten men. Defended brilliantly yet again. Rallied the team and fans when Palace put pressure on. It could be argued that he hasn’t put a foot wrong all season for United.
Lisandro Martinez 9/10
Despite being considered as a player too small for the league, the defender was dominant in the air. Perhaps his best game in red and white. Made numerous last-ditch tackles and interceptions. A man of the match display.
Luke Shaw 7/10
Wasn’t at his best in the final third for the second game in a row, but got an important assist for Rashford’s goal. Came out on top in his duel against Olise.
Casemiro 4/10
Was having a good game until he put his hands on Hughes and was needlessly sent off. Will now miss United’s back to back games against Leeds and then Leicester.
Fred 8/10
A very good performance from the box-to-box midfielder. Was active in the final third in the first half and was equally as impressive in a deeper role when Casemiro was sent off. Looks set for a run in the team with the current suspensions and injuries in midfield.
Antony 7/10
Became more influential as the game went on. Showed some great trickery to evade his man on numerous occasions. Much more direct and aggressive in the second half.
Bruno Fernandes 8/10
Gave United the lead from the spot and was particularly impressive at leading the press from the front. Was at his creative best in the first half, but his presence was lost when the Reds were down to ten men. Covered a lot of ground.
Marcus Rashford 8/10
Scored a poachers goal and won the penalty in the first half. Direct and a constant threat to the Palace backline. Like Fernandes he became less involved when Palace were on top in the latter stages. Continued his great form in front of goal.
Wout Weghorst 4/10
A poor performance from the striker. His link up play was in-consistent and apart from one header in the first half he was anonymous. Will likely lose his starting to place to Sancho or Garnacho.
Subs
Alejandro Garnacho 6/10
Involved in the build up to the second goal. Sacrificed when United went down to ten.
Marcel Sabitzer 6/10
Made his debut in difficult conditions. Almost set up United’s third only for the ref to incorrectly give the opposition a free-kick.
Harry Maguire 6//10
Came on to deal with the late Palace pressure.
Victor Lindelof 6/10
Like Maguire, came on to make the team more solid.
Manager 8/10
Picked the strongest team available with Martial injured again. His side should of had the game done by half time but were wasteful in front of goal. Put Rashford through the middle and minutes later he scored. Adjusted brilliantly when United went down to ten.
