Manchester United endured another frustrating Premier League outing as they were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Despite dominating the game, Erik ten Hag’s side failed to convert their chances, with both Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes hitting the crossbar in a lively first half.
The stalemate means United remain 11th in the table, unable to find the consistency needed to climb the standings. Crystal Palace, who have yet to secure a Premier League win this season, move up to 16th but will take positives from their strong defensive display.
United Squander Key Chances
United started the game on the front foot, controlling possession and testing Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson early on. Henderson, playing against his former club, denied a well-placed effort from Garnacho within the first ten minutes, setting the tone for a busy afternoon.
The best chance for United came just before the half-hour mark when Garnacho’s curling shot rattled the crossbar. Seconds later, Fernandes’ powerful rebound attempt also struck the bar, leaving the United captain visibly frustrated.
Despite their dominance, United struggled to break down Palace’s compact defense, with Henderson making a total of seven saves to keep the visitors at bay.
Palace Fight Back in Second Half
Palace showed more attacking intent after the break, with manager Oliver Glasner urging his side to play with greater intensity. Their best opportunity came in the 65th minute when United goalkeeper Andre Onana produced a stunning double save to deny Eddie Nketiah and Ismaïla Sarr in quick succession.
Palace nearly snatched a late winner when Eberechi Eze missed a golden chance from point-blank range, shooting wide of the post in the dying minutes. Both teams had moments of promise but ultimately lacked the cutting edge to secure all three points.
Frustration Grows for Ten Hag’s United
After two recent wins in other competitions, United had hoped to carry momentum into the Premier League, but their inability to finish cost them. Erik ten Hag will be disappointed with the result, as United continue to struggle with consistency in key matches.
“We had the best chances, but in football, you have to take them,” said goalkeeper Andre Onana post-match. “It’s disappointing because we should have won.”
Palace Steadfast Under Pressure
For Crystal Palace, the result is a positive step as they extend their unbeaten run to five matches across all competitions. While they remain without a win in the league, Glasner will be pleased with the defensive resilience his side showed, particularly in the face of sustained pressure from United.
“Second half, we were much better,” said Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. “We grew into the game, and it feels good to take a point against a strong team like United.”
What’s Next?
Manchester United face a tough run of fixtures in the coming weeks, including matchups against Tottenham, Porto, and Aston Villa. For Crystal Palace, their search for a first Premier League win of the season continues as they look to build on this defensive display in their next game.
Player of the Match: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
Henderson’s outstanding performance, including several key saves, was instrumental in securing a hard-fought point for Crystal Palace. The former United keeper showed why he remains a top Premier League goalkeeper, earning a well-deserved clean sheet.
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