Five things we learned from Manchester United 2-1 Crystal Palace

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Manchester United got back to winning ways in the Premier League with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace this afternoon.

Here is a look at five things we learned from the game…

Martial out injured again

Anthony Martial made his injury comeback against Nottingham Forest in midweek, scoring the first goal in the 2-0 second leg win.

But he was left out of the matchday squad here, and it seems he has picked up another injury setback.

This continues a season of frustration for Martial and shows why Erik ten Hag brought in Wout Weghorst during the January window.

United make fast start

United were really on it in the first half an hour here, moving the ball around quickly and hunting it down just as rapidly when they lost it.

Bruno Fernandes’ penalty was a deserved reward for that start and United arguably should have gone in at half-time even further in front.

United dropped points in their last two Premier League games – including the return fixture last month – and looked keen to change that here.

Rashford keeps good form rolling

United took their foot off the gas slightly either side of half-time and that may have caused some concern given how we let Palace back into the game at Selhurst Park.

But Marcus Rashford got a much-needed second goal, keeping his incredible form since the World Cup rolling on and on.

He prodded home Luke Shaw’s cross from close range to earn United some breathing space and get back on the scoresheet after two games off it.

Casemiro red card a real blow

At 2-0, United had to see the game out professionally but not long after Rashford’s goal, a scrap broke out down by the corner flag on the right of our attacking half.

Casemiro had his hands around the neck of Will Hughes and was handed a straight red card, meaning he will be out for the next three games.

That, fortunately, means he will not miss the EFL Cup final, which will be his next domestic match and deepens United’s issues in midfield.

Sabitzer makes debut as United see game out

Palace swiftly made it 2-1 after the red card and that set up a nervous end to the game for United, from a previously commanding position.

It was not the easiest time for Marcel Sabitzer to make his United debut but he came on for Antony with ten minutes remaining to help see the game out.

The Austrian showed his physicality and willingness to get stuck in and substitute Alejandro Garnacho was also brought off in the closing stages, which is not a great experience for any footballer, but a decision Ten Hag clearly felt necessary to try and protect the lead.