At Selhurst Park, Manchester United’s season reached unprecedented lows as they were crushed 4-0 by a Crystal Palace team led by Michael Olise.
Erik ten Hag’s team needed to respond in order to pursue European status after Newcastle and Chelsea’s victories over the weekend pushed United to eighth place. However, Ashley Young, a former United player, referred to their efforts as “shambolic” during Monday Night Football.
Particularly Casemiro took a beating that evening after being forced to play centre defence once more. Olise left him flailing for Palace’s opening goal.
After that, Jonny Evans was thoroughly outclassed by Jean-Philippe Mateta, who then bludgeoned in Palace’s second goal, with Tyrick Mitchell subsequently poking in a third.
Casemiro still had time to set up another goal for Palace after being robbed by Daniel Munoz on the touchline. Olise then curled a shot past the hapless Andre Onana.
Palace declared on four, content with another memorable victory less than three months into Glasner’s promising rule – but United will once again dominate the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag insisted the squad is still playing for him, saying: “Yes, I’m sure. They have the right intention. They were eager from the start. Once we were playing, we didn’t perform as individuals or a team.
“We have only four defeats so far [in 2024]. All season, we have big problems. All the time, there was a team with fighting spirit that was hard to beat. Today, we were easy to beat.”
Ten Hag admitted his players “let each other down” and when asked about how they defended Olise’s opening goal, he said: “There was a script and they didn’t follow that. Professionals shouldn’t allow this because it was so easy.
“Five players over the ball when they have a throw-in. It’s not the first time this happens. We have young players but they should take responsibility there.”
Oliver Glasner congratulated his Crystal Palace players for their performance but admitted: “The first half, we didn’t really play well. We opened the middle too often and they could find the pockets, but we were very efficient so we scored very nice goals.
“At half-time, we made two or three adaptions and the players listened. Second half, it was much better, we had much more control, created a lot of chances and scored nice goals. It’s a great win.”
Glasner – who was only appointed in February – added: “Good players, good team spirit and good fans – but always stay humble. It’s not so long ago we were just five points away from relegation.
“The players have confidence. We are doing well but we still have a lot to improve.
“All the credit to the character of the players. They trusted us from the first day, listened, tried and worked really hard in training, and now they get their reward.”
On Saturday, May 11, Crystal Palace travels to Wolves. On Sunday, May 19, the team concludes the season at home against Aston Villa.
There are three Premier League games left for Manchester United. On Sunday, May 12, they play host to Arsenal, and on Wednesday, May 15, they welcome Newcastle.
The league campaign will therefore conclude for United on May 19 at Brighton.
Other posts by Hiresh
