Manchester United have had a strong start to 2025, with 1 loss in their 7 games leading up to the clash with Crystal Palace, and they secured automatic qualification in the Europa League just days prior to the clash with Palace. Despite this sign of improvement, the United of old (or December), returned as they stuttered in front of goal, showed a lack of physicality and ultimately were outplayed by a team that are more structured, and playing at a higher level.

The game was one which demonstrated a huge gulf between United and the sides ahead of them, as the attacking quality was clearly behind Palace’s, while their understanding of a similar system was intriguing in the game as both play with a similar setup. On top of the exposure of United’s underwhelming squad, they also have lost one of their key leaders in Martinez, who looks destined for another several weeks/months on the side-lines which sum up his bad luck with injuries since arriving at Old Trafford.

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Teams

Amorim continued with the recent run of starting Kobbie Mainoo as a false-9 after his impressive displays in Europe. However, with a more physical defence to contend with, his abilities to get on the ball were certainly limited, and the manager turned to his bench for both Hojlund and Zirkzee as United had all of their attacking options on the pitch at the same time, hoping they could get something from the game. With Martinez’s injury, questions will now also circle around the replacement in the back-3 system for his leadership and tenacity.

For Palace, they saw their key threats perform yet again as Mateta stepped up once more to add to his impressive run. They used their bench wisely as both Wharton and Eze made cameo appearances as they rotate and manage minutes of their key players; There was also a return to Old Trafford for Dean Henderson who despite hopes of him becoming United’s no.1, the transition never worked out and the departure was one that fans might not look too fondly on.

Manchester United: Onana, Martinez (De Ligt 82′), Maguire, Yoro, Dalot, Fernandes, Ugarte (Eriksen 87′), Mazraoui (Zirkzee 70′), Garnacho, Amad, Mainoo (Hojlund 70′)

Subs: Bayindir, Harrison, Lindelof, Casemiro, Collyer

Crystal Palace: Henderson, Guehi, Lacroix, Richards, Lerma, Hughes (Clyne 88′), Mitchell (Wharton 88′), Munoz, Kamada (Eze 61′), Sarr (Devenny 90′), Mateta

Subs: Turner, Schlupp, Kporha, Nketiah, Esse

Manchester United 0-2 Crystal Palace

Manchester United’s dismal home form continued on Sunday as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half brace secured the victory for the visitors, propelling them above United into 12th place in the Premier League standings. United, now languishing in 13th, have suffered seven home league defeats this season, equalling an unwanted record from the 1893-94 campaign.

Despite a bright start from the hosts, with Kobbie Mainoo striking the post early on, United failed to capitalise on their chances. Manager Ruben Amorim’s tactical decision to deploy Mainoo as a false nine, leaving strikers Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee on the bench, backfired as the team struggled to find cohesion in attack. Palace, under Oliver Glasner, exploited United’s vulnerabilities, with Mateta opening the scoring in the 64th minute following a rebound off the crossbar. The French striker sealed the win in the 89th minute, finishing off a swift counter-attack.

Adding to United’s woes, defender Lisandro Martínez was stretchered off with a serious knee injury, casting doubt over his availability for the remainder of the season. The defeat marks United’s fourth consecutive league game without scoring against Palace, a drought not seen since 1983. With only two wins in their last seven home league matches, Amorim faces mounting pressure to reverse the team’s fortunes and reignite their campaign.

Talking Points

Lisandro Martínez’s return to Manchester United’s starting line-up was meant to bring defensive solidity and leadership, but his afternoon ended in agony and uncertainty. The Argentine centre-back was injured later in the second half after an awkward collision, with fears immediately turning to a potential knee ligament injury. Given Martínez’s influence and the leadership void he fills at the back, the sight of him leaving the pitch visibly distressed was a gut-punch to United supporters and a potential long-term blow to an already faltering campaign.

That sense of fragility was only magnified as United slumped to a record-equalling seventh home league defeat of the season, matching a low not seen since the 1893-94 season. The loss to Crystal Palace was a stark reminder of the club’s ongoing identity crisis under Ruben Amorim, who has yet to arrest the decline at Old Trafford. The lack of cutting edge in attack, muddled tactical decisions, and an absence of resilience when falling behind have all contributed to a toxic blend of underachievement and frustration for fans expecting progress.

On the other hand, Jean-Philippe Mateta delivered a performance that underlined exactly what United have been missing, a ruthless, physically dominant striker with a clinical edge. His two well-taken goals were a showcase in composure and presence, qualities that United’s attacking line sorely lacked throughout the game. While Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee watched from the bench, Mateta’s movement, hold-up play, and finishing embodied the kind of centre-forward United have been desperate for. As Palace celebrated a deserved win, the contrast in forward effectiveness laid bare the gap United must urgently bridge if they are to salvage anything from this turbulent season.