Jean-Philippe Mateta scored twice to earn Crystal Palace a 2-0 win at Old Trafford as Manchester United succumbed to defeat again.
Aiming for back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season, it turned out to be an awful afternoon for Ruben Amorim’s side as they were deservedly beaten and lost Lisandro Martinez to what looked like a serious knee injury late in the game.
The win lifts Oliver Glasner’s side above their opponents into 12th spot, with United dropping down to 13th – their scoring problems underlined by Amorim benching both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee as Marcus Rashford finalised a move to Aston Villa.
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Player ratings:
Man Utd: Onana (6), Mazraoui (6), Yoro (6), Maguire (5), Martinez (6), Dalot (5), Ugarte (6), Fernandes (6), Mainoo (6), Garnacho (6), Amad (5).
Subs: Hojlund (5), Zirkzee (5), De Ligt (n/a), Eriksen (n/a).
Crystal Palace: Henderson (7), Munoz (8), Richards (8), Lacroix (8), Guehi (7), Mitchell (7), Hughes (7), Lerma (8), Sarr (8), Mateta (9), Kamada (6).
Subs: Eze (7), Clyne (n/a), Wharton (n/a), Devenny (n/a).
Player of the Match: Jean-Philippe Mateta.
A tale of one striker
Amorim played Kobbie Mainoo up front and by the end that contrast between the out-of-position teenager deployed by the home side and the powerful striker in Palace yellow was the story of the game. But Mainoo did have his moments early on.
He set up a good chance for Alejandro Garnacho and then struck the post himself but that was as good as it got for United, their inability to make the ball stick in stark contrast to the trouble that Mateta caused the defenders at the other end of the pitch.
United looked toothless. It is 16 games since they led at half-time. The only first-half goal they have scored in their last 14 in all competitions was Bruno Fernandes’ penalty in the defeat to Brighton. The defence is a concern but the attack is just as bad.
What the decision to go with Mainoo says about Amorim’s feelings about Hojlund and Zirkzee is a matter for speculation. But both struggled when they came on, looking totally devoid of confidence. United continue to limp on but their issues remain.
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Man Utd’s woes in stats
- Manchester United have now lost seven of their first 13 league home matches this season, their joint-most at this stage of a league campaign, along with 1893-94 (also seven home defeats in 13).
- Manchester United have failed to score in the first half of 18 different Premier League matches this season, the most of any team in the competition.
- After failing to win on any of their first 10 visits to Old Trafford in the Premier League, a run that included nine straight defeats (D1), Crystal Palace have now won four of their last six away matches against Manchester United (L2) and have won on back-to-back visits to Old Trafford for only the second time in the competition.
- Since the beginning of last season, only Wolves (16) have lost more Premier League home matches than Manchester United’s 13.
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Amorim: Mainoo idea worked | Better days will come
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim speaking to Sky Sports:
“The result was really bad but the performance wasn’t as bad as the last games – we controlled the game. We controlled their transitions quite well although you know they’ll have some situations. We suffered two goals that we can avoid. We played better than in some games but we taste nothing good.”
On the injury to Lisandro Martinez…
“I think it’s a serious situation – it’s hard on us. He’s a great player and a strong character in the dressing room. It’s time for us to help him like he helps us every day. They felt it, when you’re a player you know when something is serious. Let’s hope for better days for him.”
On playing Kobbie Mainoo as a striker…
“We have had games without connections and difficult to transfer the ball in the final third. We did that today, created chances. Kobbie gave us connections and they found it hard to find the player to press. The idea worked in that moment but when you don’t win the game you can’t have any taste of good things – we will have that tomorrow.”
On the Manchester United supporters…
“It’s normal for the fans to feel that way. It’s a really hard season for the fans. Football can change. We had momentum before this game and it’s gone down again. We will work towards the next game on our idea and move forward. Better days will come.”
Glasner: We stay humble | At least one more signing
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner speaking to Sky Sports:
“The second goal is everything we are always talking about and I am delighted that it started with Adam Wharton playing a great one-touch pass. Really great to watch, big win and we stay humble and keep going.”
On the form of Jean-Philippe Mateta…
“It’s him, it’s JP. The first goal was after a set play and he is where he has to be as a number nine. He makes so many runs where he doesn’t get the ball. We demand and encourage him. Everything he is doing, he is doing it and of course we are delighted with his form.”
On any further transfers…
“One more day to go and let’s see what happens but I think we will have at least one more signing. We need one. Not to talk about where it will be but I think everyone can imagine. I think this signing will happen. Maybe we are also looking for a centre-back. It’s not a must but I’m pretty confident that there will be one signing.”
Player of the match: Jean-Philippe Mateta
Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones:
“If you had asked football fans a year ago whether Jean-Philippe Mateta was one of the top strikers in the Premier League they would have simply laughed and called you a fool.
“His rise under Oliver Glasner has been phenomenal. Manchester United can only wish of having a striker possessing such power, athleticism and ruthless goalscoring ability. He makes defenders defend with his movement and his sheer brute force when in full flow is a sight to behold – as identified by his jaw-dropping 80-yard run from one end of the pitch to the other in the first half where he left four United defenders in his wake.
“Mateta’s two goals at Old Trafford took his tally since February 23 of last year to 23 goals. Only Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer and Erling Haaland have scored more. He is amongst that company now.”
