Manchester United experienced yet another frustrating result with a goalless draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday night, raising doubts about Erik ten Hag’s upcoming team selections. After being humbled 3-0 at home by Liverpool prior to the international break, United seemed to regain their footing with victories over Southampton and Barnsley.
However, their lackluster display against Palace has exposed deeper issues that need addressing if they are serious about competing for a top-four finish this season. Despite controlling possession and taking more shots, one player’s underwhelming performance was a major talking point.
Erik ten Hag now faces a tough decision regarding team captain Bruno Fernandes, who struggled to make an impact at Selhurst Park. After signing a long-term deal earlier in the summer, Fernandes has found it increasingly difficult to rediscover his best form this season. His performance against Crystal Palace has only added to the growing concerns, leading many to speculate that Ten Hag may need to make changes to his starting XI.
Sofascore revealed that Fernandes lost possession a staggering 34 times during the 94 minutes he was on the field, a concerning statistic that likely hurt United’s ability to maintain control of the game. By comparison, Amad Diallo, who had the second-highest loss of possession among United starters, gave the ball away 19 times.
Fernandes had a chance to redeem himself late in the match with a free-kick, but his delivery was easily cleared by Palace’s defense. Even more troubling was his passing accuracy, which stood at just 72%—the lowest of any starting player on the pitch.
While Fernandes did manage to contribute two key passes, his overall influence was minimal. He fired three shots off target, missed a crucial scoring chance, and surrendered possession far too frequently. Despite his struggles, Ten Hag kept him on the field for the full 90 minutes, while Christian Eriksen was substituted with 15 minutes to go.
With more players available after a busy summer transfer window, Ten Hag has several options to consider when reshuffling his team. Mason Mount, who joined from Chelsea but has been dealing with injury setbacks, is still working to establish himself as a consistent starter.
Many were surprised that Mount remained on the bench throughout the game, especially when it became clear that United’s initial game plan wasn’t yielding results. Ten Hag also has the option of deploying Eriksen in a more advanced role, which could potentially offer a fresh approach to United’s midfield setup.
Dropping Fernandes from the starting lineup would be a bold decision for Ten Hag, but it may be necessary given his recent form. Continuing to rely on a player who is out of sorts is not benefiting the team, and United could be missing out on better performances from others. With a number of talented midfielders available, now could be the time for Ten Hag to explore alternative solutions to help Manchester United get back on track and strengthen their push for a top-four finish.
