United’s dismal start to the Premier League season continued as Crystal Palace stunned Old Trafford to secure a 1-0 victory.
Following back-to-back victories over Burnley and Palace in the Carabao Cup, many United fans thought that could kickstart what has been a mixed season so far. Unfortunately, the Red Devils were not able to continue their winning run. They suffered their fourth defeat in seven Premier League games.
Ten Hag’s men have picked up just nine points from a possible 21 – their worst start to a campaign in 34 years. It was a performance of toil from the Red Devils, who had 19 shots but not many of those really tested Johnstone. In fact, the 30-year-old made just three saves and Palace didn’t need to be particularly good to win the game.
United were incensed when Chris Kavanagh did not point to the spot for a suspected handball on Joel Ward in the 59th minute. Bruno Fernandes’ clipped pass looked to be landing straight to Marcus Rashford, only for the ball to strike Ward’s hand as he tried to get back into the position.
The right-back didn’t know much about it as the ball struck his arm and rolled out for a corner. However, Rashford and several United players surrounded the referee and demanded for a penalty. VAR also looked at the incident and agreed with Kavanagh’s on-field decision.
Having made his first United start on Tuesday, Amrabat was handed his full Premier League bow against Palace – but in a completely different position. The 26-year-old moved to left-back as United do not have a fit senior left-back available right now, after Sergio Reguilon joined Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia out injured.
Amrabat began well and seemed to have the license to drift into midfield, allowing the likes of Casemiro and Mason Mount to move further forward. He looked composed and confident in possession, though he did give a needless free-kick away which led to Palace’s opening goal.
Although Palace did not offer much of an attacking threat, during the second-half in particular, Roy Hodgson’s side defended superbly and worked tirelessly to secure all three points. Palace’s only goal came from an unlikely source as Andersen swept home for his fourth Premier League goal.
This was Palace’s second successive league clean sheet after the 0-0 draw at home to Fulham last weekend, but their first win in three since beating Wolves before the international break. The Eagles have also moved above United into ninth with 11 points from 21.