Manchester United’s fine series has come to an end with nine successes in a row. This Wednesday evening, as part of a late match of the 7th day of the Premier League, the Red Devils conceded the draw (1-1) on the ground of Crystal Palace, when they had won their nine previous meetings in all competitions.
This result allows Erik ten Hag’s players to move up the rankings to Manchester City, who are now ahead of them only on goal difference. This evolution in the classification deserves to be nuanced, however, because the Sky Blues, who welcome Tottenham this Thursday evening, could regain a three-point lead on this occasion, while the Gunners will retain at the end of the current week a match less compared to their two Mancunian rivals.
Two great saves from Gea
Beyond these accounting considerations, Manchester United may not have shone at Selhurst Park on Wednesday. Facing a Palace team that proved harmless for a long time, with the exception of a strike from Odsonne Édouard (40th) and a header from Marc Guéhi (75th) magnificently deflected by David de Gea, the players of ‘Erik ten Hag gave the impression of calmly managing this meeting, trying, without always succeeding, to alternate the counter phases and the construction sequences.
Sporadically, the Red Devils nevertheless offered some good sequences, like the opener signed Bruno Fernandes with a powerful shot from the right, after being served by Cristian Eriksen, himself ideally launched by: Marcus Rashford (0-1, 44th). The latter often appeared borrowed, as when he was well countered by Guéhi, when he tried to accelerate on the left (8th). Result the English striker, who had scored in his last seven previous games, did not find the net this time.
Casemiro will miss the clash against Arsenal
To the radius of Mancunian disappointments, we will add the very discreet first outing of Wout Weghorst, only punctuated by a header above (31st), and the yellow card received by Casemiro (80th). A sanction far from trivial since it will deprive the Brazilian of the shock against Arsenal on Sunday. But the biggest Mancunian disappointment came at the very end of the match. While MU held its success, Palace indeed managed to equalize on a bright free kick from Michael Olise (90 + 1st). An achievement that allows the Eagles, twelfth in the Premier League, to interrupt a series of three consecutive defeats.