Andre Onana saved Manchester United from defeat as the Red Devils settled for a 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace in Premier League matchday five clash.
Erik Ten Hag went into the game against the backdrop of a poor record against the Eagles. Under his watch, Manchester United had lost two of their last two games against the South London-based side.
Moreso, the Eagles completed their first Premier League double against the Red Devils last season. However, they were yet to win a game this season, and manager Olivier Glasner faced the huge task of turning the table around against a reinforced Man United with key players back from injury.
While Palace looked for their first Premier League win this season, United hoped to secure a third consecutive victory after edging out Southampton in the Premier League and Barnsley in the EFL Cup.
It was a drab and dour start to proceedings at Selhurst Park as the referee David Coote set the game rolling. Manchester United comfortably dominated proceedings but were finding it hard to break the deadlock.
The Red Devils’ biggest chance in the game came in the 27th minute. Diogo Dalot had got Alejandro Garnacho through on goal with a pinpoint pass, piercing the Crystal Palace defence.
Garnacho came one-on-one with Crystal Palace goalkeeper Henderson but his curled effort hit the crossbar. The rebound fell on a platter for on-rushing Bruno Fernandes but the Portuguese’s follow-up attempt bounced off the post again for a goal-kick.
That was the closest the visitors came to scoring in the break with Crystal Palace committing more bodies to the defense.
Andre Onana makes a stunning late save to deny Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace were threatening on counter attacks despite sitting back to defend. Manchester United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana was forced to make a late stunning save to keep the game barren.
Eberechi Eze had fired home a potent effort on goal after receiving a pass from Mateta but Onana made a brilliant save to keep it at 0-0. It was the hosts first big chance in the game but the Cameroon shot-stopper was up to the task.
Manchester United’s first half-struggles
Manchester United held a commanding control of proceedings throughout the first half but there was a disconnect between Joshua Zirkzee and Amad Diallo. It appears the Dutch couldn’t fit well into the center-forward role; hence he struggled to open up for passes from United wingers.
Apart from the attacking deadlock, United also posed threats through corner kicks but Crystal Palace were up to the task. Christian Eriksen’s outswingers were all cleared. Also, Henderson made a great difference for the Eagles in the first half, making critical saves to keep things under control.
Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes was again presented with a golden chance to make it count for Manchester United in the 53rd minute. After receiving a pass from Matthijs de Ligt, he played a quick one-two before deciding to fire on goal. It was a futile effort as the attempt flew wide off the target.
Andre Onana saved Manchester United again
Crystal Palace improved immensely after the hour mark. The hosts surged into the game with a far better performance. Their biggest moment came in the 65th minute but Andre Onana proved his mettle once again.
Eddie Nketiah had fired a potent effort on goal but it was parried away by Andre Onana. The rebound fell for Sarr, who fired again on goal, but Onana jumped and saved it again in another magical performance. The double-save ensured the scoreline stood at 0-0.
The game was largely open in the final minutes, with both sides making late efforts to break the deadlock. United’s substitute Rasmus Hojlund spiced up the visitors’ attack after coming on but it was still a deadlock. The game finally ended with both sides settling for a goalless draw.
Crystal Palace have yet to win a Premier League match this season
The outcome of the match means Crystal Palace are still waiting for their first Premier League victory this season. The Eagles flew high during pre-season under the watch of new manager Olivier Glasner. However, they have yet to secure their first Premier League win.
After defeats in their opening two matches against Brentford and West Ham United, they settled for a draw in their last two matches against Chelsea and Leicester City. They are 16th on the Premier League table with 3 points from five matches and will hope to to secure their first when taking on Everton in their next EPL match on Saturday, 28, 2024.
On the other hand, Manchester United sit 11th on the table with seven points and will take on Tottenham Hotspur in their next EPL fixture on Sunday, August 29, 2024.
