Manchester United suffered a damaging 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, further intensifying the pressure on manager Ruben Amorim. Despite recent signs of improvement following three consecutive wins, United’s loss marked their 11th league defeat of the season and left them languishing in 13th place in the Premier League standings.
The match, United’s first home league game since a 3-1 defeat to Brighton, saw Palace seal a comfortable victory thanks to a brace from Jean-Philippe Mateta. His second-half goals handed Palace their fourth win in their last six trips to Old Trafford, with the visitors moving above United in the league table.
The game started with promise for the hosts, as United pushed forward early on, with Kobbie Mainoo impressing in an unfamiliar forward role. Mainoo’s quick footwork created an opportunity for Alejandro Garnacho, whose shot was blocked. A few minutes later, Mainoo saw his low shot deflected onto the post by Palace’s Maxence Lacroix.
However, despite United’s early pressure, it was Palace who would strike first. Mateta found the back of the net after reacting quickly to a Lacroix header that hit the crossbar, giving Palace a 1-0 lead in the 64th minute. United’s calls for a foul in the build-up were waved away, and the Red Devils were left to chase the game.
Amorim turned to his bench, bringing on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee as United searched for an equalizer. But their hopes were dashed when Palace struck again late in the match. Ismaila Sarr sent a pass through to Daniel Munoz, who squared the ball for Mateta to slot home his second goal in the 87th minute, sealing the win for Palace.
As if the defeat wasn’t bad enough, United also saw center-back Lisandro Martinez suffer a serious knee injury during the match. Martinez, visibly in pain, had to be stretchered off after his knee buckled while battling with Sarr. The Argentine defender’s distress added to the growing concerns at Old Trafford, and United fans will now worry about the extent of his injury.
The loss also came with the news that Marcus Rashford will be leaving on loan to Aston Villa, leaving United’s attack further depleted. With the transfer deadline looming, United supporters are eager to see if new reinforcements will arrive to address their growing concerns.
As the final whistle blew, frustration was palpable among the home fans, with some already heading for the exits as Palace celebrated their vital victory. United’s search for consistency continues, and with more challenges ahead, the club’s rebuild under Amorim appears far from complete.