Manchester United 4-0 Crystal Palace: Four Things We Learned

 

It was a somewhat familiar performance from this season’s Manchester United, as they crushed Crystal Palace 4-0 at Old Trafford this Saturday. Marouane Fellaini (twice), Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku scored in yet another stormy win for Red Devils.

Manchester United scored four goals in six matches of their 11 matches this season. Goals are now a new theme at Old Trafford instead of dull 0-0 draws. Jose Mourinho will be happy with a comfortable thrashing of Palace in the final September match.

Fellaini Found His Place At Manchester United

Marouane Fellaini became Manchester United player in summer of 2013 as the only summer arrival. David Moyes was the ‘culprit’ of this transfer, insisting on bringing the Belgian from Everton. Four years later and Fellaini finally fully looks like a Manchester United player.

He was doubted ever since his arrival. Most fans were against the tall midfielder playing constantly in starting XI, unsatisfied with his cumbersomeness. Fellaini always got noticed because of his hair, making it tougher for him to avoid the critics. However, since Paul Pogba’s injury against Basel, Fellaini looks like a great replacement for the Frenchman.

He scored twice against Crystal Palace but it was not just the goals he did. His usual job in midfield was almost perfect. Fellaini won two thirds of his tackles, spraying balls around after winning the ball.

Lukaku Scoring On Bad Days, Too

This was not a vintage Lukaku performance. He did not start very well against Palace after rumours he might start on the bench due to minor injury. However, the rumours turned out to be incorrect and the Belgian striker spearheaded Manchester United’s attack.

Lukaku seemed off the pace for most of the match. His link up play was not as great as it usually is. Midway through the second half he missed a sitter and everyone felt exasperated for him. Even Fellaini put his name twice on the scoresheet. Still, Lukaku managed to score one late and seal the big win. He did not excel but he still scored… So, maybe this actually was Lukaku’s vintage performance?

Rampant Rashford

Less than 180 seconds were needed for everyone to see what kind of afternoon it was going to be for Marcus Rashford. The Englishman tore Palace defence apart as soon as third minute before setting Juan Mata for an early goal.

Crystal Palace had no idea how to stop hard-working youngster who again started before in-form Anthony Martial. Rashford seems to settle on the left wing of this Manchester United team and opposing defenders have seen that first hand. Rashford also set Marouane Fellaini for his second goal of the match in a lovely manner.

Is There Any Hope For Palace?

The season is seven matches old and it already looks like eternity for Crystal Palace. Their fans must be desperate watching their team fail to score in eight consecutive Premier League matches (including the final day of last season).

Roy Hodgson was appointed three matches ago, which is just 90 minutes shy of how much time Frank De Boer was given. The visitors looked helpless since the kick off and it already looks like mission impossible for the London team.

The solace for Crystal Palace could be they are just five points from the 17th place. There are 93 points left to win this season and Hodgson’s team must start winning them if they are to hold any chance of staying in the Premier League.

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