Manchester United scored four goals once again this season, meaning they have scored four goals in four of their last five fixtures. The 7th round fixture of this seasons Premier League was always going to be a tough fixture for this struggling Crystal Palace side. Once Crystal Palace had conceded inside the first three minutes, the question on most peoples minds was how many?
The game at Old Trafford was an energetic and positive display from both sides, despite Crystal Palace continuing there season trend so far in failing to produce a goal. Man United looked comfortable and produced a strong performance to get the job done.
Manchester United now sit at the top of the Premier League, having secured 19 out of a possible 21 points so far this season.
Man United didn’t take long in piling the pressure on their visitors Crystal Palace, as they found the back of the net inside three mins through Juan Mata. The Spaniard was set up by Marcus Rashford after he turned Joel Ward inside out with some fantastic footwork before squarring it into the box to find Mata.
The second goal for Man United took a little longer than anticipated considering they scored on their first attack, opportunities came in-between through the likes of Antonio Valencia and Chris Smalling but they could find the net.
In the (35th minute) Marouane Fellaini took it upon himself to increase Manchester United’s lead, latching onto a cross just out side the six yard box from Ashley Young. The score remained 2-0 at half-time.
The youngster Marcus Rashford had a very good first half causing Joel Ward problems with his pace and skill. Man United’s defence looked strong without any real problems despite a hearty Palace side not letting their heads drop with the uphill battle.
United came out firing in early stages of the second half, dominating posesssion. Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford probing the goal early on in the second half. In the (49th minute) Marouane Fellaini found himself with a brace, as he headed home a cross from Marcus Rashford as a result from a set piece.
Man United 3-0 up had a comfortable lead heading into the final quarter of the game, Jose Mourinho decided to use his bench replacing Rashford with Martial. As the game approach its last 10 minutes it looked like star striker Romelu Lukaku might not be adding to his tally for the season.
However in true Man United fashion they scored in the last 10 minutes and the in form Belgian striker was the provider. Martial running onto a ball on the edge of the box managed to square into the box at the last minute to a well poised Lukaku who tapped in from close range in the 86th minute.
Although playing a troubled opposition, Manchester United produced a very composed and articulate performance. Managing to keep a clean sheet and produce four goals yet again.
The Eagles showed a lot of heart despite what the scoreline might suggest, although trailing from a very early stage in the match, they kept up their energy levels and continued to search for their first goal of the season.
Christian Benteke wasn’t available through injury which enabled Bakery Sako a start, the striker had his opportunities all be it few and far between, but failed to find the back of the net.
Yohan Cabeye was crossing the ball into the box all afternoon for Palace willing someone to latch onto one of them, but it wasn’t to be. Joel Ward was under a pressure all afternoon, due to being faced with two of Man United’s danger men Rashford and a fresh legged Martial in the final quarter.
Unfortunately yet again there was no goals to report for this Palace side. It was however hard to see them getting anything from this fixture prior to it, but their current tally of 0 goals for the season is inexcusable. Their fixture next week sees them play league champions Chelsea, in brutal reality it wouldn’t be surprising to see a similar scoreline next week for the Eagles.
Man of the Match: Marouane Fellaini
Fellaini was a constant threat in the box and made it tell with two goals inside the box, he also tracked back well to help out in defence.
Special mention should go to Marcus Rashford for two key assists and dominate display in attack all afternoon.
Written by Cameron Harrison.
