Manchester United missed the opportunity to make it 10 consecutive wins in a row as they failed to see out the last two or three minutes of the game at Selhurst Park, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
I feel as though United performed well in the first-half of the game against Crystal Palace as Erik ten Hag’s side displayed good movements and runs when in possession, and the Reds passed the ball well as Palace struggled to get grips with the game, even though they did defend well at times. The only thing that was missing from the first-half was better shot and pass execution because United did get into some good positions.
When two magicians combine 🪄#MUFC || #CRYMUN https://t.co/6UFbVDmOd2 pic.twitter.com/uIlucdQb30
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 18, 2023
David de Gea pulled off an excellent fingertip save to deny as it looked like it was heading into the top corner, and that save proved to be defining as minutes later United went up the other end and scored.
I thought Wout Weghorst had a decent first outing in a United shirt as his link-up play and movements were good, and it was his clever run across the front-post that helped Bruno Fernandes score the opening goal of the game to make it 1-0, which was what United fully deserved.
However, the second half was not good enough from a United point of view as the team were sloppy in and out of possession, which gave Crystal Palace encouragement and United had de Gea to thank again in the 75th minute as he pulled off another huge save to keep ten Hag’s side lead in tact.
Another BIG save from David de Gea! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/1C6X5CNFuj
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 18, 2023
However, the Spaniard was also guilty of gifting Crystal Palace the ball back at will as he just kicked it long, which inevitably played into their hands as United invited unnecessary pressure in the second half.
For example, Palace’s goal came from a long kick from de Gea in the 89th minute, and United could not win the second or third balls, which allowed Jefferey Schlupp the chance to run at the United defence, who committed a foul and Palace won a free-kick in a dangerous area in the closing minutes, which Michael Olise scored from.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka also had another good showing, and he was arguably my Player of the Match, and his sliding tackle on Wilfred Zaha in stoppage-time, prevented the Eagles from picking up all three points.