Man Utd 0
Crystal Palace 2
We started brightly and had Palace defending in numbers in the first 15 minutes and then we slowly started fading away. And the Palace were encouraged and started threatening. Mainoo, starting as a false 9, hit the post in that initial spell but as time went by, the few chances that we created were not on target. When the screen shows 7 attempts and not one on target, and a good number of corners and no danger created, you should know where the problem lies.
Bruno tested the Palace keeper but it was our opponents who took the lead when a header bounced off the bar and Mateta, who tormented our defenders all afternoon, poked home. We tried to react and Amorim sent on both Hojlund and Zirkzee on 70 minutes but the Palace defenders were having none of it and they stood firm. Not that we threw a lot at them to be honest. It was yet another toothless display and the second Palace goal on the counter in the last minute of normal time was just what I was expecting!
As if the bad result was not enough, Martinez was stretchered off 10 minutes from time in what sadly looks like an ACL injury. Been there, done that, unfortunately – but for Licha’s sake I hope I am wrong as that would keep him out till next season!
We continue to struggle tremendously to beat opponents who come to OT and set up a solid defence and wait to hit us on the counter. At this stage, with the January transfer window concluded with no strikers brought in, I just hope that Amorim has the courage to bring in the youngsters and gives them an opportunity. The season is compromised in any case, and if we can have an emerging talent shining on the OT pitch it would give us something to cheer about…Numquam Moribimur!
