Manchester United were defeated once again at Old Trafford as Crystal Palace took advantage of Ruben Amorim's failed formation.
Amorim's 'masterplan' to play Kobbie Mainoo at centre-forward failed dramatically as United were unable to score in their 2 -0 defeat to Palace. It looked to be a moment of desperation for the Red Devils boss with £100m worth of strikers on the bench.
The opening goal was scored when a Palace free-kick was sent to the back post and met the towering Maxence Lacroix. A nodded header onto the crossbar conveniently landed into the path of Jean-Philippe Mateta. A napping Harry Maguire was unable to put a block in and it was an easy finish for the Eagles player.
Mateta picked up his second when Maguire played the Palace attack onside in the 89th minute and it was a simple two-on-one. Onana was helpless and the Frenchman closed the game out. The latest defeat in Amorim's Red Devils saga pulls United further into the bottom half of the Premier League table as Palace leapfrog them. Daily Star Sport has taken a look at what Amorim got wrong against Crystal Palace
Kobbie Mainoo has been one of United's strongest players since his breakthrough debut last season. His technical ability, passing awareness and strength has made him a rock in the midfield under both Ruben Amorim and Erik ten Hag.
Amorim tried something new with Mainoo today. He played the 19-year-old in a centre-forward position. Although the Portuguese managers position changes have worked well for players like Amad Diallo, it didn't work for Mainoo today.
He wasn't able to properly challenge the Palace defence and didn't have the dominant presence you want from a centre forward. During his 70 minutes on the pitch, Mainoo wasn't able to do anything - he belongs in the middle, where he is best.
This was the 18th game this season where United have failed to score in the first half. Even though they had won four in their last five in all competitions before facing Palace, they could have won those games far more comfortably if they were able to grab an early goal.
Instead, the Old Trafford faithful often find themselves entering the second half with a few more nerves knowing they have to find a winner in 45 minutes. It isn't like the United of old where they would capitalise on teams from the get-go.
So, despite their strong desire, they still need to find a way to get the ball in the back of the net much quicker. When they fail to do so, teams like Palace can capitalise.
Maguire had a couple of scary moments in the game. One instance saw him clumsily try and clear a simple ball that rebounded off the head of Palace winger Daniel Munoz and almost rolled into the United net.
It was the Palace goal where the England defender was far from his best. A Palace corner which bounced off the crossbar landed right next to Maguire.
Unfortunately, it seemed the 31-year-old was napping as Mateta, who was stood beside him, easily knocked it in for the opening goal. Maguire then failed to learn from his mistakes as he was at fault for the second Eagles goal when he played their attack onside, allowing them to finish off the game.
Alejandro Garnacho has been a frequent name dotted around during the winter transfer window. Chelsea and Napoli both were linked to a permanent move for the 20-year-old.
With all this happening, and still at such a young age, it is sure to take a toll on the Argentinian winger. It was always going to be a risk for Amorim to play him.
Unfortunately, Garnacho didn't at all look up for it today. He didn't seem to have the usual spark or fire that the youngster often carries the squad with.
Jean-Phillipe Mateta has had a fantastic season so far. After a slow start, he has notched 10 goals in 23 Premier League games - making the Frenchman a clear target for the Red Devils defence to close down.
The United backline were unable to do this today as the 27-year-old scored one of the easiest braces of his career. A simple tap in for his first goal, and a squared pass leaving an open net allowed him to add a second.
United had once again left it too late in the game to score their own goals, so when Palace took their chances, it was an easy route out for the Eagles.
Comments
Leave a Comment