Crystal Palace delivered a stunning 4-0 victory over Manchester United, piling the pressure on United’s manager Erik ten Hag and showcasing the progress made under new manager Oliver Glasner. Goals from Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta in the first half set Palace on their way, with Tyrick Mitchell and Olise adding to the tally in the second half. The win marks the first league double over United for Palace, and leaves United in eighth place with a negative goal difference, while Palace remains in 14th place with 43 points.
The performance from Manchester United was lackluster, with Casemiro’s struggles at centre-back epitomizing the team’s defensive woes. The chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” from Palace fans alluded to the growing pressure on Ten Hag, as United looked unprepared and out of depth. The embarrassing defeat raises questions about Ten Hag’s future at the club, with the new United hierarchy likely considering a change in management following such a dismal display. This defeat highlights the need for significant improvements within the United squad.
Michael Olise was the standout player of the match, causing havoc for the United defense with his attacking prowess. The young midfielder capitalized on the defensive frailties of United, scoring two well-taken goals and showcasing his ability to find space and drive his team forward. Olise’s performance played a crucial role in Palace’s emphatic victory, further highlighting his potential as a key player for the team in the future.
In terms of player ratings, Crystal Palace displayed solid performances across the board, with standout displays from the likes of Olise, Mateta, and Mitchell. Manchester United, on the other hand, struggled defensively, with Casemiro’s rating of 2 reflecting his difficulties in the makeshift centre-back role. Overall, Palace dominated the game with their attacking prowess, while United’s disjointed display left them reeling from the heavy defeat.
Key moments in the match included Olise’s opening goal, Mateta’s clinical finish to make it 2-0, Mitchell’s tap-in for the third, and Olise’s second goal after a defensive error from Casemiro. Palace’s dominance was reflected in their ability to capitalize on United’s mistakes and clinical finishing in front of goal. Despite a disallowed goal for United, they were unable to mount a significant comeback, ultimately succumbing to a comprehensive defeat at the hands of Palace.
Looking ahead, Palace can take confidence from their impressive performance, while United will need to regroup and address their defensive issues as they face a tough match against Arsenal. The result of this game poses serious questions for Ten Hag and his future at United, as the team’s lackluster display has heightened speculation about potential changes in management. Palace’s victory has underlined their progress under Glasner, signaling a bright future for the team as they aim to build on this momentum going forward.
