“Either they sell him or me because I can’t just play together with him…I would have scored that goal but he opted to pass it back to Onana”: Joshua Zirkzee furious at teammate who opted to pass ball back to Onana instead of assisting him to score yesterday
Manchester United’s winning streak has come to an end after a series of squandered chances cost them a 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace.
United started well and had a flurry of chances in the first half, with both Garnacho and Fernandes hitting the crossbar.
Unfortunately, it appeared like United had had their fill of goals in midweek, as every opportunity was passed up, resulting in a 0-0 halftime score.
The overall quality of play remained good, and opportunities continued to come, but Onana made the greatest save of the second half, a spectacular double save to preserve the game level.
And the score remained equal until 90 minutes, with United left to lament squandered opportunities on a day when Erik ten Hag can take a lot of positives from their performance.
Here’s how the players scored:
Andre Onana – 7
Had little to do in the first half other than block an Eze shot. Came alive in the second to perform a fantastic double stop using only reflexes. Currently exudes confidence.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7.5
It is remarkable how fast he has become another “Mr Dependable” at Old Trafford. He does his job quietly, contributes to the offense, is calm on the ball, and is strong in defence.
Matthijs de Ligt – 7
He is becoming better with each game, which is a worrying sign for the rest of the Premier League. Commanding in defense, an aerial menace in attack, and a rising leader.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Had an unexpected chance in the box to put United ahead, but Dean Henderson saved it. I am confident in my defense.
Diogo Dalot – 8
Is there a more successful narrative under Erik ten Hag? Sensational again in the inverted full-back position. So fantastic, Ten Hag may be hesitant to get a regular left-footer there!
Christian Eriksen – 7
There were reservations about his selection against a muscular Palace, but he performed admirably, bringing the ball forward fast. Brings a significant boost to set-pieces, which is an extra plus.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6.5
When the team is on top and he has the opportunity to play forward and run with it, he appears like a different player. The midweek respite did him the world of good.
Bruno Fernandes – 6.5
In the first half, a probing ball from the right flank set up a golden opportunity for Zirkzee/Garnacho. Hit the bar with a volley. Some sloppy passing.
Amad – 7
When he possesses the ball, there is always the expectation that something will happen. Goes wide, cuts inside, and is a complete nightmare to defend against.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6.5
This rating is a consequence of his own achievement. Making fantastic runs that put him in excellent scoring positions, yet he squandered several golden opportunities. United should have been out of sight during the first half.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6.5
With an attack-minded forward lineup surrounding him, his link-up play shines. Created a terrific opportunity for Garnacho, who nearly scored with one of his own.
Substitutes
Marcus Rashford – 6.
After scoring twice as a striker in the previous game, he moved to the left side. Could not accomplish much as Palace improved from their first half performance.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
I gave up a couple of easy fouls after going on, but I never stopped trying to move the ball forward. Encouraging cameo.
Rasmus Hojlund – 6
On his recovery, he was visibly rusty, but he provides more directness and goal danger than Zirkzee, who United will undoubtedly use as the season progresses.
