Manchester United have had another season to forget in the Premier League and their injury-ravaged squad could do little to avoid sliding to defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday night.
Bruno Fernandes was the latest Red Devil to succumb to fitness issues, leaving a patched-up midfield and defence clueless in the face of an aggressive and cohesive Eagles outfit.
Having so many players out injured is hardly ideal, but those who were fit enough to play completely dishonoured themselves and their increasingly disheveled manager Erik ten Hag, who could offer little more than a stony expression on the touchline.
It ended 4-0, with Palace taking advantage of United’s glaring weaknesses with two goals in the opening 45 minutes.
Michael Olise dribbled past Casemiro and struck home from the edge of the box before Jean-Philippe Mateta ran beyond Jonny Evans and thundered in at the near post.
The Red Devils once again lacked any visible identify, a feat made worse by the fact that Palace boss Oliver Glasner only took over in February. Casemiro could show no leadership or put any of his vast experience to use in one of his worst games ever, while Jonny Evans looked incredibly short of match fitness after a month out.
Understandably, Man Utd fans made some damning assessments at half-time.
Yeah United are coming 8th. They’re done
— Scott Saunders (@__scottsaunders) May 6, 2024
This is the absolute best thing for United btw. Can’t rely on European income so they will HAVE to force change. Trim the wage bill down, shift players who were only there for European football and start again.
— Scott Saunders (@__scottsaunders) May 6, 2024
Onana makes Pickford look like Mr Tickle
— Paul Gaskell (@pgaskell13) May 6, 2024
Reckon Casemiro might be the first player in Barclays history to have to come off with a stitch tonight.
— Macca (@The_Paris_Angel) May 6, 2024
We’d genuinely be close to the relegation zone if it wasn’t for some moments of “individual brilliance”
This is the worst I’ve ever since this club. And it’s not down to players downing tools, we’re simply an awfully set up team, with or without injuries.
— Cain Smith (@cainsmithMU) May 6, 2024
Glasner been there for a week and you can already see an identity compared to Ten Hags 2 years but you still have man defending him
— Faysal (@elfayz_) May 6, 2024
Absolutely awful first-half for @ManUtd. Barely a redeeming feature. Outplayed. Had ball in net but they hardly ever get given.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) May 6, 2024
I…
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