Manchester United were brought back down to earth after two straight wins with a 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday.
After victories against Burnley and Palace, the latter in the Carabao Cup, Erik ten Hag would have been hoping for more of the same. But it all fell flat on an afternoon where the Red Devils had plenty of the ball but did precious little with it.
It was Palace who went closest first, Marc Guehi’s flicked header going narrowly wide of Andre Onana’s left-hand post.
The hosts nearly went in front almost immediately though, Rasmus Hojlund bravely getting to Marcus Rashford’s pass and nudging the ball past the advancing Sam Johnstone only to see Tyrick Mitchell clear the ball off the line.
Palace grew into the game though and went in front with 25 minutes on the clock. Eberechi Eze’s free-kick made its way to the far post where the ball sat up nicely for Joachim Andersen to lash home a fine finish.
Casemiro then went close with a shot from distance pretty much straight from the restart but it was a struggle for United in the run-up to the interval.
They got back on the front foot at the start of the second half, Bruno Fernandes testing Sam Johnstone with a shot from 20 yards before the keeper kept out Hojlund’s header with a sharp save.
But it continued to be a frustrating afternoon for ten Hag and his side, Mason Mount having arguably the best of the late chances, flashing a free header wide from a Diogo Dalot cross.
Boos again met the final whistle - not an unfamiliar sound at Old Trafford this season.
1. Andre Onana 5
Continues to be a source of nervousness around Old Trafford. Produced one good save from Will Hughes in the second half.
2. Diogo Dalot 6
Mopped up Jeffrey Schlupp threat impressively in first half and largely stuck to his task, nearly providing a goal for Mount.
3. Victor Lindelof 3 (off 87)
Given the nod to partner Varane but was not close enough to Anderson for the first goal and nearly gifted Palace a second when Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze got the better of him in the second half. A poor season goes on.
4. Raphael Varane 7 (off 87)
Celebrated one block like a goal in the first half and in reality was the only dependable defender United have got at the moment.