Manchester United's poor form in the Premier League continued after losing 2-0 to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.
Premier League
Result: Manchester United 2-0 Crystal Palace
Date: 02 February 2025
Venue: Old Trafford
United coach Ruben Amorim opted to leave out both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund as Kobbie Mainoo started in the 'False 9' role' while Andre Onana, Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte all returned to the starting line-up.The decision to play Mainoo higher up nearly paid off after five minutes when the England international carved out some space on the edge of the box before seeing his strike tipped onto the upright by goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Palace had a couple chances of their own as the first half went on, with Ismaïla Sarr heading just wide of Onana's goal after some good work by Tyrick Mitchell in the United 18 yard area,
The visitors went even closer in the 38th minute when Jefferson Lerma did well to play Jean-Philippe Mateta through on goal, but the Frenchman saw his lob tipped inches wide of the upright by Onana's hand.
United came out firing in the second half and went close going ahead on two occasions as both Bruno Fernandes and Ugarte saw their first-time efforts saved by Henderson in the opening ten minutes.
Palace went ahead on 65 minutes when as Mateta made it five goals in five games after nodding home from close range after Munoz's towering header crashed against the crossbar with Onana well beaten.
Amorim responded with a double change for the final 20 minutes as Zirkzee and Hojlund replaced Mainoo and Noussair Mazraoui to add more numbers in the attack.
However, Palace ended any hopes of United comeback in the 89th minute when Mateta completed his brace by turning home a cross from Munoz, who managed to spring the offside trap.
