United continue to rely on a moment of brilliance rather than any patterns of play
Manchester Evening News|October 02, 2023
GROANS echoed around Old Trafford with 17 minutes to go as Alejandro Garnacho's cross deflected off two Crystal Palace defenders and somehow rolled wide.
KYLE NEWBOULD
United continue to rely on a moment of brilliance rather than any patterns of play

It was starting to feel like one of those days.

United suffered their fourth defeat of the season on Saturday and did so without scoring a goal.

Joachim Andersen showed them how to do it, his rifled effort deflecting off Diogo Dalot and past Andre Onana.

Erik ten Hag's side huffed and puffed for the 65 minutes that followed but despite dominating possession and territory, rarely had Palace hearts in mouths. Barring a couple of good saves from long-range efforts, Sam Johnstone had little to do on his return to a club he spent eight years at without making a competitive appearance.

Goalscoring has been like a headache that never quite fades for Ten Hag, no matter how many millions he spends on ibuprofen.

United's 58 goals in the Premier League last season was the lowest among the top-six and poor enough for him to sanction the £72 million purchase of Rasmus Hojlund.

This story is from the October 02, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.

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This story is from the October 02, 2023 edition of Manchester Evening News.

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