Manchester United had been on an odd unbeaten run prior to the Palace game, as they had struggled for wins, but prevented defeats as Ten Hag’s side missed some opportunities, but showed some defensive solidity amid the injury crisis at the club, that was until this game against Palace. Undoubtedly in the top 3 worst performances of Ten Hag’s tenure at the club as the team were completely outplayed, outrun and outmatched by Glasner’s Palace, as they produced a huge 4-0 win and dent any hopes of a positive end to the season for the visitors.

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Teams

Manchester United are low in numbers, with Tom Heaton largely babysitting on the youthful bench, however with little excuse for the senior squad on the pitch, the performance was simply not good enough. If we were to pick any positive, seeing a late cameo for Ethan Wheatley might be it, but even that feels like reaching.

For Palace, they have a much more cohesive and dangerous squad, with former United keeper Henderson holding out United’s attack, they could rotate their impressive forward line late on with the game already won.

Crystal Palace: Henderson, Richards, Andersen, Clyne (Guehi 78′), Hughes (Riedewald 68′), Wharton, Mitchell, Munoz, Eze (Ayew 85′), Olise (Schlupp 85′), Mateta (Edouard 68′)

Subs: Matthews, Ward, Ahamada, Rak-Sakyi

Manchester United: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Casemiro, Dalot, Mainoo, Eriksen, Garnacho, Mount (Amad 80′), Antony (Amrabat 60′), Hojlund (Wheatley 80′)

Subs: Bayindir, Heaton, Ogunneye, Jackson, Amass, Collyer

Crystal Palace 4-0 Manchester United

Crystal Palace produced a memorable night at Selhurst Park on 6 May 2024, delivering one of their most dominant Premier League performances in recent years as they ran out 4–0 winners over Manchester United. The Eagles flew out of the blocks, with Michael Olise opening the scoring in the 12th minute with a superb solo effort that saw him glide past United’s midfield before firing low past André Onana. Palace’s confidence grew and was rewarded again just before half-time, as Jean-Philippe Mateta doubled the lead with a powerful finish after breezing past Jonny Evans. By the break, it was clear the home side had established complete control over a flat and disjointed United.

The second half offered more of the same for the beleaguered Red Devils. Tyrick Mitchell extended Palace’s advantage in the 58th minute, tapping in at the back post after Joachim Andersen’s follow-up from a dangerous cross. Olise added gloss to the score line with his second of the evening in the 66th minute, rifling home after Daniel Muñoz stole possession deep in United’s half. Despite United having a couple of goals ruled out — notably Casemiro’s efforts — it was Palace who remained the brightest and most threatening throughout, completing their first ever league double over Manchester United.

For Crystal Palace, the result capped a near-perfect evening under Oliver Glasner’s stewardship, thrilling the home crowd and adding a rare high point for the south London club. In contrast, it was another low for Erik ten Hag’s men, whose season continued to unravel with a lacklustre display and little attacking threat. The 4–0 defeat added pressure on the United boss and provided Palace with a landmark victory they’ll savour for seasons to come.

Talking Points

Manchester United suffered an unthinkable 4–0 hammering at Selhurst Park, producing one of their worst performances of the Premier League season. From the very first whistle, the team looked sluggish and disorganised, allowing Crystal Palace to dictate the tempo and carve open the Red Devils’ defence at will. Michael Olise’s early opener set the tone, and by half-time, Palace had already doubled their lead thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s clinical finish. United never recovered, with the second half seeing Tyrick Mitchell and Olise add further goals, leaving fans stunned at the sheer lack of intensity and cohesion on display.

The result has piled enormous pressure on Erik ten Hag and key members of his squad. The Dutch manager now faces mounting scrutiny over his tactics and team selection, while senior players have been exposed for failing to step up in a crucial fixture. Questions will be asked about leadership on the pitch, with individuals such as Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes unable to inspire any spark, leaving United looking fragile and directionless against a side they would normally expect to challenge.

With just a few games remaining in the season, this defeat significantly dents Manchester United’s hopes of European qualification. Dropping points in such a humiliating fashion not only affects morale but also leaves them reliant on results elsewhere to secure a spot in next season’s continental competitions. For Palace, it’s a statement victory, while United’s campaign is now teetering on the edge of failure, with very little room for error if they are to salvage a top-four finish.