Erik ten Hag will have to discard the buzzword Manchester United’s manager came into this game citing. “Momentum” is now obliterated after a defeat that ends a run of victories at two as, yet again, Ten Hag’s men must regroup, this time for Galatasaray in Tuesday’s Champions League group game.
On Friday the manager had named Alejandro Garnacho as a player who was not in the team as a result of not performing. Yet United were suddenly an electric proposition when the rocket-booted winger entered in the second half. In one moment of devilry Garnacho bamboozled Palace along their right byline, his cross ricocheting off two defenders as the ball threatened to go anywhere – including past Sam Johnstone for the equaliser.
But no. Joachim Andersen’s smash-and-grab strike in the opening half allowed Crystal Palace revenge for Tuesday’s 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat despite United dominating the closing phase. In added time the substitute Donny van de Beek nodded the ball to Garnacho, who had his shot saved by the impressive Johnstone from close in.
As Chris Kavanagh prepared to blow for time Harry Maguire, another substitute, sprayed the ball out of play instead of finding a cross or a teammate. When the referee did whistle the end to the contest, boos greeted United’s latest reverse.
This was comprehensible as the unpalatable truth for Ten Hag is his side lacked the guile to unpick a doughty Palace.
More to follow
