In the first half, both Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno
Fernandes struck the crossbar, showcasing United's dominance at a venue where
they suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat just four months prior.
However, a remarkable double save from Andre Onana in the
second half prevented Palace from securing their first league victory of the
season.
As a result, United finds themselves in 11th place, having
managed to win only two of their first five matches in the new Premier League
season.
“I’m not content, we should have won,” said Ten Hag. “First
half we left them alive, the second half was more balanced.
“We played very good (in the first half), total control of
the game, the only thing was in the box and in the box is where the game is
decided. We should be more clinical there.”
The embarrassment of their previous visit to Selhurst Park
in May marked the lowest point of a challenging season for United.
Many speculated whether Ten Hag would continue as manager,
but a surprising FA Cup final win against Manchester City provided him with a
renewed opportunity.
This time, the Red Devils arrived in south London with
confidence, having netted 10 goals in the past week, including a 3-0 victory
over Southampton and a 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley in the League Cup.
Marcus Rashford, who had recently ended a goal drought with
three strikes in those matches, was unexpectedly benched by Ten Hag.
Nevertheless, the choice to retain Garnacho on the left
flank proved to be a stroke of genius, as the Argentine caused significant
problems for Palace early on, though he failed to find the finishing touch.
Former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson played a crucial
role in keeping the Eagles competitive before halftime.
Garnacho's curling shot lacked the power to beat Henderson
during his first significant opportunity, while the England keeper also
thwarted attempts from Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez.
United sensed that fortune was not on their side when the
visitors struck the crossbar twice in quick succession.
Garnacho raced onto Diogo Dalot’s precise pass, only to see
his shot hit the woodwork, followed by Fernandes’ attempt that also clipped the
bar.
The term 'pitiful' was used to describe the first half,
prompting Palace manager Oliver Glasner to make a double substitution at
halftime, leading to a significantly more competitive performance in the second
half.
“In the first half we
needed a great goalkeeper and fortunately we had one today,” said Glasner.
“In that second half it was more like a Crystal Palace team
and that is what we need to be competitive against a team like Manchester
United.”
Fernandes came close again with a daring shot using the
outside of his boot, which veered off target following a clever one-two with
Joshua Zirkzee.
However, a brilliant save from Onana kept United from
suffering a third loss in five league matches this season.
The ex-Ajax goalkeeper skillfully dove to deflect Eddie
Nketiah’s long-range attempt before springing back up to deny Sarr from scoring
on the follow-up.
“It’s not so important (how I made the double save) because
we didn’t win,” said Onana. “Unfortunately we didn’t score. It’s pitiful to go
back home with the one point when you deserve to win.”
Crystal Palace had another significant opportunity to secure
all three points when Eberechi Eze shot wide from close range with the goal at
his mercy.
The draw keeps Palace in 16th place, but it is Manchester
United who will feel more disappointed with their failure to capitalize on the
chance to build momentum after achieving three victories in eight days.