Man Utd 1-2 Crystal Palace: 5 Talking points as United suffer their first loss of the season | Premier League 2019/ 2020

Man Utd 1-2 Crystal Palace: 5 Talking points as United suffer their first loss of the season to the Eagles in their 3^rd match of the Premier League.

A win, a draw and a loss. Manchester United are on a free fall and it was on full display today. Many theorised that the Chelsea match masked how frail this United side was and today’s performance proves it.

Also read: David De Gea blunder costs Manchester United the match against Crystal Palace

United started the game brilliantly and put the Eagles on the backfoot right from the start. However, they failed to convert the multiple chances they created. Crystal Palace breached United’s barrier with their first shot on goal and United played the entire match trailing.

United equalised in the 89^th minute and for a while the sky was blue once again. However, the clouds of grey smirked at Old Trafford once more when a howler by David De Gea ensured that Crystal Palace would go on to beat United for the first time in the Premier League.

Solskjaer and his boys have a lot to mull over and will hope to turn things around, lest they find themselves in the same position they did last season when a string of wins was followed by consecutive losses near the end of the league.

Here are the 5 talking points from the Man Utd 1-2 Crystal Palace match today

Solskjaer’s tactics

Solskjaer has been playing a 4-2-3-1 formation this season. This allows United to play with two wingers and an attacking mid-fielder behind Anthony Martial. However, with Lingard severely out of touch, perhaps United could bring one player behind and revert to a 4-3-3, beefing their midfield in the process.

Pogba and McTominay have done well so far but having someone like Matic behind them could give the two the freedom to make plays in the front, especially Pogba who can very easily combine with either of Rashford, James or Martial in the front.

Another point to note is Solksjaer’s delay in bringing in Juan Mata. In the brief moment the Spaniard was out there, he looked threatening and could have been bought in early as United were chasing a goal. Sometimes it’s the little things and if the Norwegian can find the perfect balance in his team, it would go a long way in their fortunes.