Manchester United’s terrible season hit a fresh nadir with a truly horrific and humiliating defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday night – and it wasn’t even a shock.
Manchester United’s dreary campaign trudged one step closer to a welcome end in a humiliating 4-0 defeat in which they were completely outplayed by a team down in 14th place.
Erik ten Hag may again point towards his side’s litany of injury issues but it’s no longer an excuse for the shambolic defending and hapless build-up play his players serve up in every match.
The absence of Bruno Fernandes due to injury for the first time since he signed for United robbed the side of its only consistent quality and the captain’s importance has never been clearer.
Michael Olise scored the opener as he was gifted acres of space to pick his spot before Jean-Philippe Mateta blasted through the defence and fired home.
Tyrick Mitchell stabbed in the third after yet more hopeless defending and then Olise scored another pearler after Casemiro gave the ball away.
A 4-0 defeat was flattering in the end and it would not be hyperbole to suggest it could have been six or seven in an utterly appalling performance.
Here’s how the players rated and, spoilers, they did not rate highly.
Andre Onana – 4
Perhaps could have done better with the first two goals but there’s not much he can do when attackers can have shots on goal completely unopposed by defenders.
Did save Mainoo with quick thinking off his line and made a couple of really good saves before Palace found their third.
Diogo Dalot – 1
An anonymous display other than when he was struggling to build up play from the back and lost possession. Cleared the ball straight to Mitchell for the third after some really weak defending.
Casemiro – 0
As Ashley Young said on Monday Night Football, Casemiro was ‘shambolic’ for the opening goal as he needlessly dived in and gave Olise all the room in the world to score.
The Brazilian was then disposed on the by-line as Olise slammed in his second and Palace’s fourth. Bizzare and pathetic in equal measure.
Casemiro had looked promising at centre-back in recent weeks his failings in the position, and in general, were on full display at Selhurst Park in a truly catastrophic display.
Jonny Evans – 1
Drafted straight back into the starting XI after injury as no one else was available and looked every single one of his 36 years.
Evans was caught between two minds as Olise advanced on goal which allowed him to shoot under no pressure, he was easily beaten by Mateta as the striker ghosted past him on his way to goal and he then failed to clear the danger properly for the third.
Should not be playing as much as he has had to.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 1
Was repeatedly dragged inside and completely surrendered the right flank to Palace’s wide players. Given the run around all night long.
Kobbie Mainoo – 2
Others will rightly take the blame for an appalling display but Mainoo hasn’t been at the races for some weeks now, clearly hampered by his midfield partner.
But still, it doesn’t matter who he’s playing alongside if he’s misplacing simple passes and being ineffective defensively. Was rescued by Onana after a miss-hit back-pass.
Christian Eriksen – 1
A complete lack of presence in midfield, with opposing players shrugging past him as if he were a training dummy. Might as well have not been there.
Couldn’t get near the Palace forwards for the first two goals and offered nothing on the ball. Shocking that he wasn’t taken off.
Antony – 2
Did nothing of value but was far from the worst offender and was unlucky to be the first player hooked before the hour mark.
Mason Mount – 1
First Premier League start since October 7 and looked suitable rusty, passing balls straight out of play on occasions and offering no creative spark. Proved just how good Fernandes is.
Alejandro Garnacho – 3
Tried to make things happen with the occasional dribble and won some dangerous free-kicks but couldn’t do much on his own.
Rasmus Hojlund – 2
Attempted to hold the ball up and bring others into play but was starved of service and couldn’t offer much else as he was well-marshalled by the Palace centre-backs.
Unfortunate to see a brush on Dean Henderson get a goal disallowed.
Substitutes
Sofyan Amrabat – 4
Came on and tried to restore at least a bit of pride by making some crunching tackles. Says a lot when that’s the highlight of the night. Made some blocks and interceptions, too.
Amad – 2
Brought on with 10 minutes remaining but United didn’t venture past the halfway line once.
Ethan Wheatley – 2
Had a good opportunity to break but didn’t make the pass to Garnacho and lost the ball.
