Premier League: Palace win at Old Trafford again
Manchester United 0 - 1 Crystal Palace
Manchester United suffered their second consecutive home defeat in the Premier League as Crystal Palace secured an impressive victory at Old Trafford, thanks to Joachim Andersen's outstanding strike.
These two teams had clashed just five days earlier, with Erik ten Hag's side comfortably winning 3-0 in the Carabao Cup. However, Palace had rested several key players for that match and presented a different challenge on Saturday, delivering an excellent away performance.
Palace took the lead after Tyrick Mitchell cleared Rasmus Hojlund's shot off the line. Andersen then brilliantly fired a first-time shot into the top corner from a free-kick.
Despite Manchester United's relentless pressure, they struggled to breach Palace's defence. When they did manage to break through, goalkeeper Sam Johnstone made crucial saves, first tipping Bruno Fernandes' dipping shot over the bar and then denying Hojlund's powerful header.
Palace's goal was constantly under threat, but Manchester United couldn't find a way through, allowing the visitors to secure a win that pushed them above their opponents into ninth place, with the hosts dropping to 10th.
Premier League news and stories: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
Ten Hag's side has now suffered four defeats in seven Premier League games, marking their worst start to a league season in 34 years.
Manchester United, aiming to finish September on a high note after three consecutive defeats, had hoped for a victory against Palace to kickstart their season. After their convincing win against Palace in midweek, home fans were optimistic about a similar outcome.
Initially, it seemed like a repeat performance was in store as they started strongly, but Mitchell's clearance off the goal line marked a turning point in the match.
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Following that, Palace began to pose a greater threat on the counter-attack, while Manchester United grew increasingly frustrated as they struggled to break down their opponent's defence.
At the end of the game, home fans expressed their frustration, particularly regarding a couple of penalty calls that were not given by the officials.
United had numerous opportunities to salvage a draw, but a combination of poor finishing and resilient Palace defending meant that it just wasn't their day.
United fans are not happy
When Manchester United last lost two consecutive league games at home, it was against Liverpool and Manchester City in October and November 2021, their last two home games under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The final whistle against Crystal Palace was greeted by boos from the home fans.
Liam, a Manchester United Season Ticket holder in the Stretford End, said: "That was an awful performance. We never looked like we were going to score."
Olivia, a Manchester United Season Ticket holder in East Stand, was critical of the referee, she added: "Whilst the team performance wasn't great, there were some strange refereeing decisions throughout the game. I'm not sure why there was only 4 minutes of injury time in the second half. Palace did a lot of time wasting."
Heathen1878 on Twitter added: "A shocking display from everyone. I'm not where the team goes from here."
Palace fans were delighted
Feeling the love from the fans 🤗
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 30, 2023
❤️ @samjohnstone 💙#CPFC | #MUNCRY
Danny, a Palace fan, added; "A fantastic performance from us at Old Trafford. We played well and looked so comfortable."
Frank, also a Palace fan, told us: "We looked like a side that will be comfortable in the Premier League this season. There will be no talk of relegation during this campaign."
