Manchester United’s struggles at Old Trafford continued as they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.
Despite seeking a fourth consecutive victory across all competitions, United were second-best in the first half against a well-organized Palace side. The visitors created multiple opportunities to score but failed to convert their dominance into an early lead.
The deadlock was broken in the 64th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta reacted swiftly to a rebound after the ball struck the crossbar, giving Palace the lead. United, eager to find an equalizer, struggled to unlock Palace’s resolute defense and lacked attacking creativity.
Mateta doubled the advantage in the 89th minute, securing a crucial win for Palace and pushing them above United into 12th place in the league standings. The result also marked United’s seventh home league defeat of the season.
United entered the fixture on the back of their strongest run under manager Ruben Amorim, having secured three consecutive wins in all competitions, including a victory over Steaua Bucharest on Thursday.
However, Amorim has yet to guide the team to successive league victories since his appointment in late November—a feat no United manager has accomplished since Tommy Docherty in the 1972-73 season.
Before kickoff, a tribute was held to honor the victims of the Munich air disaster, marking 67 years since the tragedy. Young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, deployed in a central attacking role, nearly gave United a dream start but saw his deflected shot strike the post.
Palace, who have been strong away from home, posed the greater attacking threat early on, with Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell going close. Mateta was also denied by a superb save from Andre Onana as the first half ended goalless—United’s 18th scoreless first half in 24 league games this season.
After the interval, United increased their attacking intensity. Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson was called upon to make key saves, keeping out efforts from Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.
However, Palace’s persistence paid off when Mateta capitalized on a rebound after a Maxence Lacroix header hit the crossbar, slotting home to give his team the lead.
United struggled to mount a comeback, and Palace capitalized on a late counterattack, with Mateta adding his second goal to seal the victory.
Adding to United’s woes, defender Lisandro Martinez was stretchered off in the second half with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.
The defeat deepens United’s home struggles and leaves them with significant issues to address ahead of their next league fixture.
