Crystal Palace hold blunt Manchester United 0-0: Key stats
A wasteful Manchester United were held 0-0 by Crystal Palace in matchweek 5 of the Premier League 2024-24 season at Selhurst Park. Erik ten Hag's men missed a host of chances in a dominating first half and that came back to bite them. Palace, who were outplayed, grew in confidence as the match progressed in the 2nd half and had their moments. Here's more.
Man United don't score despite dominating in the first half
Manchester United were solid in the first half and controlled the match. Joshua Zirkzee fed a pass for Garnacho to run onto but the Argentine couldn't beat Dean Henderson with his left-foot shot across goal. Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez also drew out saves from Henderson. Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes (on the rebound) hit the bar before Henderson made one more fine save.
1st half match stats
Manchester United had four shots on target from nine attempts. Palace had two attempts with one shot on target. Man United had 67% ball possession and had 0.78 expected goals to Palace's 0.40. Man United had 19 touches in the opposition box.
What happened in the 2nd half?
Amad Diallo's shot aimed at the far-post took a deflection on the way before dipping over. Moments later, Fernandes missed a glorious opportunity after a tee-up from Zirkzee. Henderson was called up again after Garnacho tried his luck from distance. From nowhere, Andre Onana was forced to make a double save to deny Palace. Eberechi Eze then missed a superb chance for the hosts.
Man United fail to gain vital points
A draw for Man United sees them get to 7 points from five matches (W2 D1 L2). United are 11th in the standings. On the other hand, Palace are 16th with what was their 3rd draw of the campaign (L2).
Analysis: Palace thwart ten Hag's side after hanging in
Visiting United were the better side for most parts of the game but credit to Palace for hanging in there and stepping up to thwart ten Hag's men. Palace could have won the match themselves and it highlighted the importance of digging in.
Man United had 35 touches in the opposition box
Manchester United had six shots on target from 15 attempts. Palace had 9 attempts with four shots on target. Man United had 67% ball possession and had 1.69 expected goals to Palace's 0.98. Man United had 35 touches in the opposition box.
