/sky247-nigeria/media/media_files/2025/02/03/QiaGhaEYGXLo22gTaUyf.jpg)
Manchester United Fall to Crystal Palace in Disappointing 2-0 Defeat at Old Trafford
Manchester United suffered a frustrating 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring a second-half brace to seal the visitors' victory. The match, held in solemn remembrance of the Munich Air Disaster's 67th anniversary, saw United begin brightly but ultimately struggle to break down a resilient Palace side that capitalized on key moments.
First Half: A Promising Start but No Breakthrough
Ruben Amorim made six changes to the squad following United’s midweek European triumph, opting for a youthful attacking trio of Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, and Alejandro Garnacho. The match began with an air of optimism, as the home side controlled possession and carved out early chances.
Within the opening ten minutes, Mainoo struck the post following an intelligent pass from Amad, while Garnacho had a close-range effort blocked. Despite United's early dominance, Crystal Palace issued reminders of their counterattacking threat, with Daniel Munoz heading over from a Tyrick Mitchell cross and Jean-Philippe Mateta troubling the Reds’ defense with his physicality.
The game’s best opportunity before the interval fell to Palace, as Daichi Kamada set up Mitchell for a pinpoint cross. Sarr connected with a glancing header that narrowly missed the target, with Mateta lurking dangerously behind him. United responded with a series of set-pieces but lacked the cutting edge to capitalize.
As the first half drew to a close, Mateta nearly put Palace ahead when he latched onto Jefferson Lerma’s through ball and attempted a deft chip over Andre Onana. A fingertip touch from the United keeper diverted the ball wide, but the offside flag meant a goal would not have stood regardless.
Second Half: Mateta Strikes Twice to Punish United
The second half began with a more physical edge, as Harry Maguire received a yellow card for a challenge on Mateta, while Bruno Fernandes protested a lack of similar punishment for Will Hughes' foul on him at the opposite end. United looked poised to take the lead with a pair of golden chances early in the half—Bruno Fernandes’ curling effort was well saved by former Red Dean Henderson, and Manuel Ugarte’s acrobatic volley was also kept out.
Despite United’s continued pressure, it was Crystal Palace who landed the decisive blow just after the hour mark. Substitute Eberechi Eze made an immediate impact, delivering a deep free-kick to Maxence Lacroix at the far post. Lacroix’s looping header struck the crossbar, and Mateta was quickest to react, slotting home the rebound to give the visitors the lead.
In response, Amorim introduced Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, shifting Amad to a deeper wing-back role to accommodate the new attacking presence. Fernandes and Amad both went close to equalizing, with the latter’s long-range strike flying just over the bar. However, United's frustrations grew when Lisandro Martinez was forced off on a stretcher following a collision with Sarr, raising concerns about a potentially serious knee injury.
As United pushed forward in search of an equalizer, they left themselves vulnerable at the back. With two minutes remaining in normal time, Palace exploited the space, as Munoz broke free down the right and squared the ball for Mateta, who confidently slotted home his second of the night.
Nine minutes of stoppage time were added, largely due to Martinez’s injury, but United's best effort—a glancing header from Hojlund—drifted narrowly wide. The final whistle confirmed another frustrating afternoon for Amorim’s side, as their promising start faded into another disappointing defeat at Old Trafford.
Conclusion: United’s Struggles Continue
Despite a strong start and multiple attacking opportunities, Manchester United failed to capitalize and were ultimately undone by clinical finishing from Crystal Palace. Mateta’s instinctive play proved decisive, while Palace’s defensive discipline and counterattacking efficiency highlighted United’s struggles in breaking down well-organized opposition.
As Amorim's team looks to recover, attention will also be on Lisandro Martinez’s injury, with fans hoping for a swift return for the Argentine defender. With crucial fixtures ahead, United must find a way to convert their dominance into victories to keep their season on track.