Manchester United v Crystal Palace | Premier League | Match Highlights

Crystal Palace leapfrogged Manchester United in the Premier League table with a brilliant 2-0 victory at Old Trafford thanks to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half double. This win not only secured a vital three points for Palace but also deepened the woes of Manchester United, who have been enduring an inconsistent and frustrating season under their new manager.

With Man Utd struggling as much as they are this season, it was hardly a surprise to see Palace score the opening goal of the game. The Red Devils have been plagued by defensive frailties, lack of cohesion in midfield, and an inability to finish chances in front of goal. It was even less of a shock to see Mateta score that goal, as the French striker continued his excellent form. He has been the focal point of Crystal Palace’s attack, consistently finding himself in the right positions to capitalize on opportunities.

The breakthrough came in the 64th minute when Palace put pressure on United's defense. After Maxence Lacroix’s header had bounced off the crossbar, Mateta reacted quickest to poke the ball into the back of the net, giving the Eagles a well-deserved 1-0 lead. The build-up to the goal highlighted the defensive vulnerabilities of Manchester United, who failed to clear their lines and allowed Palace too much space inside the box. The goal further underlined Mateta’s predatory instincts and his ability to convert half-chances into goals.

As the game progressed, United attempted to push forward in search of an equalizer, but their attacking play lacked incisiveness. The hosts controlled possession for long periods but struggled to break down a well-organized Palace defense, marshaled by Joachim Andersen and Marc Guéhi. Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes tried to create chances, but the final ball was often lacking, and Palace's resolute defending kept them at bay. The frustration among United fans was palpable as the home side failed to find a way through.

Crystal Palace, on the other hand, looked dangerous on the counter-attack, using their pace and directness to exploit gaps in United's backline. The second goal, which effectively sealed the victory, came in the 89th minute and was a textbook example of Palace's ability to transition quickly from defense to attack. The south London side broke away with purpose, and Daniel Muñoz was set clear down the right flank. With United's defense stretched, Muñoz squared the ball to Mateta, who made no mistake in slamming the ball past André Onana. The French forward's brace meant he had now scored six times in five Premier League appearances since the turn of the year, further solidifying his importance to Palace's attacking setup.

Overall, the 27-year-old has been a consistent source of goals since Oliver Glasner took charge of the Eagles on 24 February last year. The Austrian manager has transformed Palace into a well-drilled, counter-attacking unit that can compete with the league's best. Only four players have scored more often in the Premier League during that period, while Mateta's 23 goals are 15 more than any other Palace player. His contribution has been instrumental in Palace's rise up the table and their ability to challenge for a top-half finish.

For Manchester United, this defeat adds another chapter to what has been a disappointing campaign. They have now won just four of their 13 Premier League games under Ruben Amorim since his first league match in charge back in November, a statistic that underscores the team's inconsistency. Just as worrying is the fact that they have conceded six goals more (22) than they have scored themselves (16) under the Portuguese manager. This imbalance between attack and defense has been one of the primary reasons for their struggles.

United's home form has been particularly concerning. This was their seventh home defeat in the Premier League this season, equalling their worst tally ever in a single campaign of the competition (level with 2013-14). The last time that they lost more league games at home in a single season was back in 1962-63 (9), and with six Premier League home games remaining in 2024-25, there’s a chance even that may be eclipsed, based on this woeful form. For a club with United's rich history and tradition, these statistics make for grim reading.

The problems at Manchester United extend beyond just the tactical setup. There have been concerns over squad harmony, player confidence, and the overall direction of the club. The lack of a clear playing identity under Amorim has been evident, with the team struggling to establish a cohesive style of play. Defensively, they have been prone to individual errors, while their attacking play has often been too predictable and reliant on moments of individual brilliance rather than structured build-up play.

Furthermore, injuries have not been kind to United this season. Key players like Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw have missed significant portions of the campaign, forcing Amorim to frequently shuffle his defensive lineup. This instability at the back has contributed to their leaky defense, making it difficult to build a solid foundation for success. In midfield, Casemiro has not been at his best, while the likes of Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat have struggled to make a significant impact.

On the other hand, Crystal Palace's rise under Glasner has been marked by tactical discipline, smart recruitment, and an ability to get the best out of key players like Mateta, Eberechi Eze, and Michael Olise. The Eagles have managed to find a balance between defensive solidity and attacking potency, making them a formidable opponent for any side in the league. Their ability to grind out results while also playing entertaining football has been one of the standout aspects of their season.

This result will undoubtedly raise questions about United's ambitions for the remainder of the campaign. With the top-four race becoming increasingly competitive, their chances of securing Champions League football for next season are dwindling. If performances do not improve, they could find themselves slipping further down the table, adding to the frustration of fans who have been longing for a return to the glory days.

In contrast, Palace will take great confidence from this victory. They have shown that they can go toe-to-toe with the league's biggest clubs and come away with deserved wins. The challenge for Glasner's men will be to maintain their momentum and build on this result as they aim to finish in the top half of the table. With players like Mateta in fine form, there is every reason to believe that Palace can continue their upward trajectory.

Ultimately, this game highlighted the contrasting fortunes of both teams. While Palace celebrated a crucial win that boosted their league position, United were left to ponder yet another disappointing result at Old Trafford. With the season reaching its critical stages, both teams will now turn their attention to their upcoming fixtures, knowing that every point could be crucial in determining their final league standings.