After a promising spell of performances, Manchester United stumbled again, dropping points in a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday night. Despite some improvements in recent weeks, including big wins against Southampton in the Premier League and Barnsley in the EFL Cup, Erik ten Hag’s side still showed signs of inconsistency. The result highlighted the work that remains to be done if United are serious about challenging for a top-four spot this season.
The draw came on the back of a demoralizing 3-0 defeat at the hands of arch-rivals Liverpool before the international break, which had left fans frustrated. Although the victories following that loss suggested United had turned a corner, Saturday’s underwhelming performance at Selhurst Park was a reminder that the team is far from its best. While United dominated possession and had more shots on target than their opponents, the lack of cutting edge in the final third and missed opportunities left supporters feeling disappointed.
One player, in particular, has drawn criticism from fans—Bruno Fernandes. Despite signing a new long-term contract with Manchester United earlier in the summer, Fernandes has struggled for form this season, and his performance against Crystal Palace was emblematic of his recent uninspired displays. Ten Hag now faces a difficult decision regarding Fernandes, as his continued struggles could warrant a rethink in team selection.
According to Sofascore, Fernandes lost possession a staggering 34 times during the 94 minutes he played at Selhurst Park. This lack of ball control may have significantly hindered United’s chances of securing all three points. In comparison, the next highest player in terms of turnovers was Amad Diallo, who gave the ball away 19 times. Fernandes’ inability to retain possession in key moments has raised questions about his role in the team, especially considering his status as one of United’s most important creative players.
Late in the match, United were awarded a free-kick, giving Fernandes a final opportunity to make amends for his lackluster performance. However, his delivery into the box was easily dealt with by Crystal Palace’s defense, further frustrating both the fans and his teammates. Fernandes’ passing accuracy during the game was another point of concern, as he had the lowest percentage among the starting players, completing just 72% of his passes. For a player relied upon to drive the team’s attacks, this level of inaccuracy is alarming.
The performance of Fernandes has left many United supporters calling for changes in the starting lineup. While his talent and leadership are undeniable, his recent form suggests that he may need time out of the team to refocus. Ten Hag now faces the challenge of deciding whether to continue relying on Fernandes or to make tough selection decisions in an effort to shake things up and improve the team’s overall performances.
United’s inability to secure a win against Palace has put them in a difficult position in their pursuit of a top-four finish. Although they remain within striking distance, the inconsistency displayed in matches like this one raises concerns about whether the team is capable of maintaining the required level of performance across the entire season. Ten Hag will need to address these issues quickly, especially with the fans expecting more after the team’s recent resurgence.
The draw against Crystal Palace exposed some of the lingering problems within Manchester United’s squad, with Bruno Fernandes’ poor performance being a major talking point. If the Red Devils are to mount a serious challenge for the top four, Ten Hag will need to make some tough decisions about his starting lineup and ensure that key players like Fernandes are performing at their best.
