Manchester United struggled against Crystal Palace and goalkeeper Dean Henderson on Saturday. The former United keeper was unbeatable for the team of manager Erik ten Hag, who had Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, and Joshua Zirkzee in the starting lineup.
Manchester United entered this weekend's Premier League clash with Crystal Palace on the back of a confidence-boosting week.
A comprehensive cup victory over Barnsley followed their crucial away win against Southampton, and manager Erik ten Hag was eager to see his side maintain their upward momentum. Facing a Crystal Palace team managed by Oliver Glasner, who had stunned United with a 4-0 thrashing in their last meeting, Ten Hag knew this would be a crucial test of his team’s progress. Yet, the match ended in frustration for the Red Devils, who couldn’t break through despite dominating large spells of the game.
From the outset at Selhurst Park, United appeared the more composed and aggressive side, taking control of the midfield and dictating the pace of the game. Ten Hag’s decision to start Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, and Joshua Zirkzee seemed to provide the energy and creativity needed to challenge Palace’s defense. However, a familiar face would soon prove to be a thorn in United’s side former goalkeeper Dean Henderson, now between the posts for Palace, was in inspired form, repeatedly denying his old teammates.
United's first significant chance came early in the match, with Matthijs de Ligt rising high to meet a corner with a powerful header. Henderson reacted swiftly, making an acrobatic save that set the tone for what would be a long afternoon for the visitors. Alejandro Garnacho, starting on the left flank in place of Marcus Rashford, was a constant threat throughout the first half. The Argentine, renowned for his pace and dribbling skills, carved out several opportunities but was unable to convert them into goals. Garnacho’s closest attempt came when he unleashed a venomous shot from the edge of the box, but Henderson, showing lightning-quick reflexes, tipped it wide of the far post.
Despite United’s dominance, the first half ended goalless, with Crystal Palace offering little going forward. Eberechi Eze came closest for the hosts, testing United goalkeeper Andre Onana with a low drive, but the Cameroonian shot-stopper was equal to the challenge, smothering the shot in a promising position. Palace's best moments were fleeting, as they struggled to gain any foothold in the game against a well-organized United side.
The second half began much like the first, with United pushing forward in search of the opening goal. Garnacho remained at the heart of their best chances, even rattling the crossbar with a powerful strike that had Henderson beaten. But despite their territorial dominance, United’s finishing let them down. Joshua Zirkzee, leading the line for Ten Hag’s side, was unable to find space in Palace’s crowded box, and though he linked up well with Bruno Fernandes and Garnacho, his final touch was lacking.
Bruno Fernandes nearly broke the deadlock with a moment of brilliance. The United captain attempted an audacious outside-of-the-foot shot that curled just inches wide of Henderson’s goal, leaving the United fans in Selhurst Park on the edge of their seats. But once again, Henderson’s commanding presence in goal kept Palace in the game.
Crystal Palace began to find their feet as the match wore on, and they had a golden opportunity to snatch a goal against the run of play. Eddie Nketiah forced Onana into a sharp save after an hour, with the United keeper doing well to react quickly to a follow-up effort from Ismaila Sarr. Onana’s quick reflexes kept United in the game, but the warning signs were there Palace, despite their limited attacking forays, still posed a threat.
Eze, who had been Palace’s most dangerous player throughout the match, squandered a glorious chance to give his side the lead. After being set free in the box, his effort slid agonizingly wide of the post, much to the relief of Onana and the United defense.
As the clock ticked down, Ten Hag introduced Rasmus Højlund in a bid to find a breakthrough. The Danish forward, returning from injury, provided a physical presence up front and looked to add a spark in the final minutes. However, Crystal Palace defended resolutely, with Henderson continuing to frustrate United’s attack.
In the end, despite dominating possession and creating the better chances, Manchester United was held to a 0-0 draw. Henderson’s performance will be remembered as the defining feature of the match, as the former United goalkeeper denied his former club time and time again. For United, the result felt like two points dropped, given their control over the game, while Palace will be pleased with their defensive resilience.
Ten Hag will look to regroup ahead of their next fixture, knowing that his team’s inability to finish off chances cost them vital points. Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace can take heart from their gritty defensive performance and the stellar display from Henderson, who proved to be the difference-maker against his former club.
