Man United leapfrogged by Crystal Palace after 0-2 loss: Five things we learned | OneFootball

Jean-Philipe Mateta scored both goals as Crystal Palace won at Old Trafford to leapfrog Manchester United in the table.

At the start of play just one position separated the two teams. United began 12th in the table and Palace in 13th place. Their positions were reversed by the end of play.

It was another disappointing day for Ruben Amorim and United, as they continue to struggle. The problems are plentiful for the Reds and there is no sign that any solutions are forthcoming.

Here are five things we learned:

Could Mainoo be the answer to United’s problems up front?

There was a surprise in United’s starting eleven today. Amorim unexpectedly deployed Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine. Previously seen as a defensive midfielder, it was a strange decision to have Mainoo lead the line. The Carrington graduate put in a good display in his first outing as a forward. He worked hard and linked up play well. His abilities on the ball offered a new dynamism to United’s attack and they moved the ball well in the early stages. The highlight for the England international came in the seventh minute. His effort was only denied by the post and was the closest United came all afternoon. Despite Mainoo not playing badly, there were moments where the Reds missed the presence of a genuine striker. A number of crosses rolled through the Palace box untouched, which any real number nine would certainly have been in position to convert.

Where does this leave Hojlund and Zirkzee?

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were both signed for substantial fees. And yet the pair of strikers were forced to watch on as Amorim preferred a young midfielder to them. It was a damning indictment of the faith that United’s manager has in the pair. The duo have just five Premier League goals between them this season. Hojlund and Zirkzee did eventually get on the pitch in the 70th minute. However, neither player had any impact on the game. Both are out of form and low on confidence, and that was evident in their play. Neither of the two strikers managed a shot on target, even as United chased the game.

Mateta back on form

Crystal Palace do not have the same struggles with their forwards. Mateta ended last season in scintillating form. The striker had a slower start to this campaign, after representing France at last summer’s Olympics. However, with six goals in his last five Premier League games, he now looks back to his best. The forward was a constant nuisance for the United defence. He was rewarded for his efforts in the 64th minute, as he netted the opener. Eberechi Eze delivered a great free-kick into the host’s penalty area and Maxence Lacroix met the ball. His header beat Andre Onana but was denied by the crossbar. Fortunately for Palace, Mateta was there to tap home the rebound and give the Eagles the lead. The Frenchman then doubled his tally and Palace’s advantage in the 89th minute. Daniel Munoz got in behind the United defence and squared it to Mateta for a simple finish. The Frenchman is now on double figures for Premier League goals this season.

Martinez stretchered off

Perhaps even more worrying for United than the result today, Lisandro Martinez was stretchered off in the 82nd minute. The injury looks serious and the defender was visibly upset. Tears could be seen rolling down the Argentine’s face whilst he was carried down the tunnel. There was minimal contact in the challenge that lead to the injury and it is not clear what the problem is. Martinez will be a miss for Amorim. He has popped up with important goals in recent weeks and is a starter in United’s first-choice defence. United will hope the injury is not as serious as it looks.

Bruno Fernandes playing deeper

For long stretches of the game, Bruno Fernandes could be found very deep on the pitch. United’s captain dropped back as far as his centre-backs and attempted to dictate play from there. United have had problems advancing the ball under Amorim and this was perhaps an attempt to fix this. Fernandes has dropped deep in a similar fashion on occasions before, although not as consistently has he did today. It did seem to help the home side progress the ball. However it did not benefit them when they got the ball forward. One of United’s most dangerous and creative players was often late to arrive in attacking areas.