Louis van Gaal made 3 changes to the squad that faced Aston Villa last Sunday where Darmian was introduced in the left flank in place of Rojo, Martial came back in the starting XI replacing Depay and the Dutch man decided to play with only one holding midfielder and hence Lingard was introduced in place of Fellaini.
Alan Pardew, on the other hand, made many substantial changes to his squad in which Speroni was introduced between the sticks for the first time since May 2015, Marin Kelly was brought in place of Ward. Dann received a knock in his last game and was replaced in place of Mariappa. Also, Lee, Zaha, Sako and Adebayor made it into the starting XI. Quite surprisingly, there were many empty seats at Old Trafford in this game.
United were lucky to get the lead inside the first 5 minutes as Delany deflected Darmian’s cross into his own net. United were playing their traditional possession game in which they found some space in the Palace’s box but didn’t capitalize. United were not pushing their numbers forward in the box and that was the reason they were unable to find the second goal.
United were a better side in the second half as they were focused on their attacks and Darmian gave his side a breather through an amazing wrong-footed volley which struck the post and ended into the back of the net. Crystal Palace never troubled United’s defence in the entire game but were defending in numbers.
Manchester United moved closer to achieving their dream of securing the 4th spot through this victory and will be looking to continue their fine run in the upcoming games as well.
De Gea- 5/10-
Had the easiest game of the season as he was not at all troubled in the entire game.
Valencia- 6/10-
Was always an option for Lingard in the flanks during the attacks, but he needs to work on his deliveries.
Smalling- 7/10-
He was tough and didn’t let Adebayor get past through him. Deflected a crucial pass from Lee that could have ripped United’s defence apart.
Blind- 7/10-
The Dutch midfielder cum defender is finally setting a strong foot in United’s defence and hasn’t missed a single game since October. As always, played as an offensive center back for the side. Delivered some threatening long balls as well but was never exploited by the team.
Darmian- 7/10-
Had a tough time against Zaha who made his life awkward at times in the first half, but stood his ground well in the second half. Scored the second goal for the team through a thunderous left-footed volley from the edge of the box.
Schneiderlin- 6/10-
Played well and was good in his tackling. Defended his ground well at times and was accurate in his passing as well.
Mata- 6.5/10-
Looked dangerous in his passes and through balls. Had a splendid chance to increase the lead but fired his shot into the side netting.
Rooney- 6/10-
Played ahead of Schneiderlin alongside Juan Mata in United’s 4-3-3 formation. Managed to dig in a shot in the second half but was deflected out by Souare.
Lingard- 5.5/10-
Had a chance in the first half to double the lead for United but opted to pass the ball instead and the chance was gone begging.
Martial- 6.5/10-
Showed his good sprinting and trickery in the game but wasn’t able to produce a positive outcome. Fired a thunderous left foot shot but was equally matched by Speroni’s beautiful save.
Rashford- 6.5/10-
Was expected to be rested after a hectic game against Villa, but the manager didn’t want to lose the goal-scoring momentum of the teenager. He had some good chances but Speroni made sure that the teenager did not score this time.
Subs-
Memphis Depay- N/A-
Came in the 63rd minute to replace Rashford. Took a shot but saw it deflected.
Ander Herrera- 4.5/10-
After missing Villa’s game due to injury, he was introduced in place of Jesse Lingard in the 72nd minute of the game. Had less time in the game but was very effective in United’s midfield.
Fellaini- N/A-
Came on to the field to succeed the unsettled skipper Wayne Rooney in the 77th minute.