Whenever Manchester United take one step forward under Ruben Amorim, it seems to be followed by two steps backward.
Heading into Sunday’s clash, the Red Devils had won three on the bounce with two consecutive clean sheets for the first time under Ruben Amorim.
But United’s terrible home record under Amorim continued with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring twice in the second half to give the visitors all three points. Crystal Palace have now leapfrogged United in the Premier League table.
The Red Devils started brightly with Kobbie Mainoo playing in a striker role after Amorim decided to start Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee on the bench.
But United’s attacking inspiration quickly dwindled and Palace grew into the game. Mateta’s goals either side of Lisandro Martinez’s worrying injury capped off a frustrating afternoon.
Diogo Dalot disaster against Crystal Palace
Once again, United looked toothless going forward and there was a severe lack of threat from out wide.
Diogo Dalot scored against FCSB midweek and the Portugal international kept his spot in the starting lineup at left wing-back.
However, Dalot struggled against Palace and was caught out far too often without providing much threat from out wide.
Sky Sports’ Adam Bate pinpointed one “horrible moment” in the first half when Diogo Dalot played a “blind pass” which drew “groans” from the Old Trafford crowd.
A glance at Dalot’s match stats shows he had an afternoon to forget.
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Touches | 76 |
| Passes completed | 80% (36/45) |
| Dribbles completed | 33% (1/3) |
| Possession lost | 20 |
| Duels won | 29% (5/14) |
Ruben Amorim finally has a new wing-back
It only took a few days in the job before Amorim demanded a new left wing-back was signed. Thankfully, his wish was answered this weekend.
United confirmed the signing of Patrick Dorgu from Lecce just hours before the Palace clash, and he was unveiled in front of Old Trafford before kick-off.
Amorim has been forced to play Dalot on the left due to a complete lack of other options, but now Dorgu has arrived he has a solution.
After Dalot’s poor display against Palace, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Dorgu start for United on the left against Leicester City on Friday afternoon.
It also frees up Dalot to return to his favoured right wing-back position, although he faces competition from the likes of Amad and Noussair Mazraoui for a starting spot.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
