Manchester United’s tactical experiment failed as they were beaten 2-0 by Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon. Ruben Amorim made six changes to his side with Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo among those brought into the starting line up. Kobbie Mainoo was deployed in a new role as a false nine, with both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee on the bench.
United started bright and almost took an early lead when Mainoo hit an effort against the post but there was a warning at the other end when Daniel Muñoz headed wide at the back-post for Palace. The visitors grew into the game and went close again through a Tyrick Mitchell shot and wasted the best chance of the first half when Jean-Philippe Mateta chipped an effort just wide of the post.
It was an open start to the second half as United went close when Bruno Fernandes forced a fine stop from Dean Henderson with an effort from the edge of the box and Manuel Ugarte forced another with a volley from a free-kick. Palace always posed a threat though, and finally broke the deadlock when Mateta converted from close range after a Maxence Lacroix header had cannoned off the crossbar.
Things went from bad to worse when defender Lisandro Martinez went down in agony and was forced off with what looked like another serious knee injury. United pushed for a leveler but instead went two goals down when Munoz beat the offside trap and squared the ball to Mateta for a tap-in.
Here is how we rated the players in the defeat:
1. Andre Onana - 6
An important stop to deny Mateta and keep his side level. Not much he could have done about either goal. | Manchester United via Getty Images
2. Leny Yoro - 5
His positioning was a problem at times but he did some good recovery work to redeem himself. | Manchester United via Getty Images
3. Harry Maguire - 4
He found it tough against Mateta all afternoon and was stranded for the first Palace goal. He played them onside for the second as well. | Getty Images
4. Lisandro Martinez - 6
A combative defensive performance and he fired a few efforts at goal. He offered a lot of creativity from deep positions. | Manchester United via Getty Images