May 7, (THEWILL)- Manchester United’s hopes of securing European football next season suffered a major blow as they were embarrassingly beaten 4-0 by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night. The pressure is mounting on manager Erik ten Hag after another shambolic defensive display from his side.
Michael Olise was the star of the show, scoring twice, including a sensational long-range strike, as Palace ran riot. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell were also on target for the rampant Eagles, who completed their first-ever English Premier League double over United.
It was a defensive horror show from the visitors, who were carved open time and again by Palace’s vibrant attacking play. Casemiro was at fault for two of the goals on a night to forget for the Brazilian midfielder. United’s fragile backline has now shipped 81 goals in all competitions this season.
The result leaves United in 8th place, three points behind the UEFA Champions League qualification spots with tricky fixtures against Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton still to come. Ten Hag cut a dejected figure on the touchline as his team’s faint European hopes were severely dented.
With injuries mounting and defensive woes persisting, serious questions will be asked about United’s transfer business and strategy going forward under Ten Hag. He desperately needs a reaction from his players in the crucial clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
