Joachim Andersen scored a technically-brilliant goal at one end and helped ex-Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone foil his former club in Crystal Palace’s 1-0 win at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The big Premier League win came four days after United pumped Palace in a League Cup outing, but the Red Devils never found their way on the scoreboard Saturday despite 77% possession.
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The Palace win underscores the import of Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi, and Eberechi Eze, as Andersen was rested at midweek and the other two stars came off the bench once United was in control of the cup tie.
Palace gets the win without Odsonne Edouard and despite being out-attempted 19-8. The Eagles leave Manchester in ninth place with 11 points, one place and two points ahead of Erik ten Hag’s hosts.
Eagles count blessings, one of whom is Joachim Andersen
Roy Hodgson didn’t expect the ball, nor did he expect a win if we’re honest, but what he did know for certain is that he had the most unheralded defender in the Premier League on his side.
Joachim Andersen has starred all over London — and England — and the fact that he scored a marvelous goal to drive this 1-0 win over Crystal Palace feels like just desserts.
There’s a heaping helping of good fortune in this win, as Man United held 77% of the ball and attempted 19 of the game’s 27 shots, but Palace played brave, desperate defense with and without the lead as Andersen and Marc Guehi registered 28 defensive actions in front of Sam Johnstone.
Ex-United keeper Johnstone will be thrilled with his center backs but also his clean sheet given Palace’s signing of currently injured but fellow overlooked Red Devils GK Dean Henderson. Johnstone, 30, was on Man United’s first team books from 2011-2018 but did not make a senior appearance while going on loan 10 times.
That was life in David De Gea’s Manchester United, but it still wasn’t fun even if understandable. Johnstone and Dean Henderson will be toasting their former club tonight.
What’s next?
Man United hosts Galatasaray in Champions League action on Tuesday before Brentford visits on Saturday in the Premier League.
Palace gets a week to prepare for a 12:30pm ET Saturday visit from Nottingham Forest.
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Manchester United vs Crystal Palace player ratings (fotmob.com)
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace player ratings (fotmob.com)
Erik ten Hag reaction: Describing loss ‘really quite simple’
Asked what happened in the loss? “It’s actually quite simple. First we concede on only three chances over the course of the whole game, three from set pieces. Then we came numerous times in good positions in the final part of the game and there were poor decisions.”
What happened on the goal? “Diogo, first the foul, and the free kick. It’s not necessary to make a foul there, and then the ball’s coming through and it’s not good defending.”
Halftime: Stats, analysis from Manchester United 0-1 Crystal Palace
Joachim Andersen’s wonderful goal off a set piece wasn’t the only bright moment for the visitors, who have 0.42 xG and four shots despite a spit-take number of 27% possession.
Erik ten Hag might worry that no one had Andersen at the back of the pile for Eberechi Eze’s free kick, but United will feel this should be 1-1 at worst.
The Red Devils have seven shots off their 73% possession and have registered 0.70 xG. Not great, but not bad either. Bruno Fernandes is starring and Rasmus Hojlund has been a handful for Palace but Eagles goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has not had to make a save.
Joachim Andersen smashes Palace in front! (goal video)
The video is coming, and well worth it for fans of technique.
Palace has a free kick deep in United territory, and Eberechi Eze hits the ball into a bank of defenders. He’s whipped it with enough pace that it bounds to rear guard Joachim Andersen at the back post.
The center back, rested at midweek, shows off his shooting chops with a hard side-footed half-volley that leaves Andre Onana helplessly pawing the air.
How to watch Manchester United vs Crystal Palace live, stream link, time
Kickoff: 10am ET, Saturday (Sept. 30)
TV channel: USA Network
Stream: Watch online via NBCSports.com
Manchester United lineup
Our team for #MUNCRY is locked in! 🔐
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 30, 2023
Bring on United 🔴⚪️⚫️#MUFC || #PL
Crystal Palace lineup
Here's how we line up 🙌
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 30, 2023
🤝 @shophumm#CPFC | #MUNCRY
Focus on Manchester United
The Red Devils look better and brighter, and it only serves Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund, and Marcus Rashford better to have Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Pellistri, and Anthony Martial flashing some midweek success behind them. If Erik ten Hag can get another comfortable win to put the Burnley scrap and prior struggles further in the rearview, a top-four fight will look reasonable (again).
OUT: Antony (suspension), Tyrell Malacia (undisclosed), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), Luke Shaw (undisclosed), Tom Heaton (calf), Jadon Sancho (disciplinary) | QUESTIONABLE: Harry Maguire (undisclosed), Amad Diallo (knee), Luke Shaw (muscular)
Focus on Crystal Palace
Roy Hodgson’s attackers are being asked a lot — especially Eberechi Eze — with Odsonne Edouard joining big summer signing Matheus Franca and Michael Olise on the shelf. There’s probably some suffering store for Palace with three of its next four opponents being Man Utd, Newcastle, and Spurs.
OUT: Odsonne Edouard (hamstring), Michael Olise (thigh), Naouirou Ahamada (ankle) | QUESTIONABLE: Matheus Franca (back), James Tomkins (calf), Jefferson Lerma (hamstring), Nathan Ferguson (muscular)
