Crystal Palace 0-0 Manchester United: Henderson and Onana star as Palace and Red Devils play out entertaining draw
Manchester United exhibited dominance yet were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, resulting in a goalless draw against Crystal Palace, marking their fifth consecutive visit without a victory (D3, L2).
After securing two consecutive wins following the international break, Erik ten Hag's squad returned to a venue where they had previously delivered one of their least impressive performances last season.
Despite facing a Palace team that has encountered difficulties this season, the visitors maintained control for the majority of the first half.
The initial significant opportunity arose when Joshua Zirkzee set up Alejandro Garnacho, who was thwarted by former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Henderson continued to excel, as he later prevented Matthijs de Ligt's close-range header, remarkably saving the attempt with his feet.
The Red Devils likely experienced frustration at not being able to enter the half-time break with a goal, as Henderson once again thwarted Garnacho following Zirkzee’s flick-on from a cross delivered by Bruno Fernandes.
Although United maintained possession for the majority of the match, Crystal Palace consistently posed a threat on the counterattack, with Eberechi Eze being the most significant danger. Eze had a promising chance to score before the break, but his weak attempt was easily collected by André Onana.
Clearly dissatisfied with the performance in the first half, Oliver Glasner opted for a double substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on Ismaïla Sarr and Jefferson Lerma. Sarr quickly connected with Eze, whose shot was blocked, yet this brief period of pressure invigorated the home supporters.
United swiftly reasserted their dominance in the match, with Fernandes coming close to breaking the deadlock with a shot from the edge of the area, though it ultimately veered away from the target.
Evidently frustrated by his players' inability to convert their control into goals, Ten Hag introduced Marcus Rashford, hoping the English forward would extend his scoring streak.
However, Palace nearly found the opening goal, as Onana executed a rapid double save, first denying Eddie Nketiah and then reacting swiftly to block Sarr’s follow-up. With Palace gaining momentum, Eze was the next to miss a chance for the home side after being set up by Sarr.
The Eagles expressed their indignation when David Coote issued a yellow card to Lisandro Martínez, despite Crystal Palace's firm belief that a red card was warranted for a robust challenge on Daichi Kamada.
Ultimately, neither team succeeded in securing a victory, resulting in Palace earning their third point of the season after a third consecutive draw.
On the other hand, United will feel a sense of frustration for failing to secure all three points despite delivering a commanding performance, as their inability to convert opportunities once again proved to be their Achilles' heel.
SportsLigue