Crystal Palace vs Manchester United: Premier League 2024 Analysis

Match Overview

The Premier League clash between Crystal Palace and Manchester United on September 21, 2024, ended in a goalless draw. Despite the lack of goals, the match was filled with action and talking points, particularly around Manchester United's performance and tactical decisions. The final score was 0-0, a result that left both teams with mixed feelings.

Key Performances

Andre Onana

Manchester United's goalkeeper, Andre Onana, was a standout performer, earning praise from various pundits and former players. Peter Schmeichel, a Manchester United legend, highlighted Onana's crucial saves, particularly a double save in the second half that denied Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr. Schmeichel noted that Onana has been consistently stepping up and winning points for the team, a sentiment echoed by Erik ten Hag, who described Onana's goalkeeping as "brilliant."

Dean Henderson

On the other side, Crystal Palace's goalkeeper, Dean Henderson, also had a significant impact on the game. Henderson made several key saves, including a leaping stop to deny Alejandro Garnacho. His performance was crucial in keeping Manchester United at bay, especially during a first half where United dominated possession and created numerous chances.

Tactical Analysis

Manchester United

Erik ten Hag's side dominated the first half, limiting Crystal Palace to just one shot on target. United's pressing and control of the game were evident, with the team creating 15 shots overall, six of which were on target. However, their inability to convert these chances into goals was a significant issue. Ten Hag admitted that the team should have been more clinical, especially given their dominance in the first half.

The decision to rotate Marcus Rashford out of the starting lineup was a major talking point. Rashford, who had scored three goals in the previous week, was benched, leading to speculation about his relationship with Ten Hag. The manager dismissed these rumors, stating that it was merely a rotation decision due to the congested fixture schedule.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, struggled in the first half but made tactical adjustments at halftime that brought them closer to United in midfield. These changes exposed United's lack of mobility in the middle, allowing Palace to create better chances in the second half. Eberechi Eze had two significant opportunities but failed to convert, highlighting Palace's own issues with finishing.

Key Issues and Talking Points

Lack of Clinical Finishing

Both teams struggled with finishing, a problem that was more pronounced for Manchester United given their dominance in the first half. The absence of a clinical striker was evident, with new signing Joshua Zirkzee failing to make a significant impact. BBC pundits Danny Murphy and Ashley Williams criticized United's summer transfer strategy, pointing out the lack of a proven goalscorer.

Marcus Rashford's Situation

The decision to bench Rashford led to widespread speculation and criticism. Jamie Redknapp suggested that something "untoward" had happened between Rashford and Ten Hag, a claim that the manager vehemently denied. Ten Hag emphasized that it was a rotation decision and praised Rashford's recent performances. However, the situation highlighted potential underlying issues within the squad.

Defensive Solidity

Both teams displayed strong defensive performances, with Onana and Henderson making crucial saves. United's defense, led by Matthijs de Ligt, managed to keep a clean sheet despite some nervy moments. Crystal Palace's defense, bolstered by Henderson's heroics, also held firm against United's relentless attacks.

Conclusion

The 0-0 draw between Crystal Palace and Manchester United was a game of missed opportunities and strong defensive displays. While United dominated the first half, their lack of clinical finishing cost them two points. Crystal Palace, on the other hand, showed resilience and tactical flexibility to earn a valuable point.

For Manchester United, the result highlighted the need for a proven goalscorer and raised questions about squad rotation and player management. For Crystal Palace, the draw was a testament to their defensive solidity and ability to adapt tactically.

As the season progresses, both teams will need to address these issues to achieve their respective goals. United will look to convert their dominance into wins, while Palace will aim to build on their defensive strengths and improve their attacking efficiency.