Andre Onana that’s superhuman! Goalkeeper’s double-save heroics earn a point as Alejandro Garnacho & Bruno Fernandes fluff their lines
Crystal Palace’s impressive rearguard action left Manchester United frustrated on Saturday, as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Selhust Park. Goalkeeper Andre Onana produced an incredible double save to ensure that United left with a point, instead of a maddening defeat.
The visitors began the game in the ascendancy and Alejandro Garnacho missed two big chances, the second of which saw him hit the crossbar from inside the box. On the rebound, Bruno Fernandes also hit the woodwork, while Dean Henderson denied Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt from close-range in a one-sided first-half.Erik ten Hag’s side were equally as dominant in the second period – albeit without a cutting edge – until Onana was required to make an astonishing double save to deny Eddie Nketiah first, and then Ismaila Sarr on the rebound.
That save proved pivotal for United earning a point, as they simply could not find a way through at the other end, and were forced to settle for a draw.
Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (9/10):
Barely troubled until a near-miraculous double save from Nketiah and Sarr that kept United’s clean sheet intact. That he had nothing to do beforehand makes it all the more impressive.
Noussair Mazraoui (6/10):
Dealt with Eberechi Eze well. A little loose in possession at times, especially as he advanced up the pitch, but was assiduous in his defensive work.
Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):
Unlucky not to score a first-half header. Dominant in the air all night. Comfortably dealt with Nketiah, too. He’s the defensive leader United have been crying out for.
Lisandro Martinez (5/10):
So fortunate to avoid a red card after a wild stomp that saw him jump in with both feet. Fine defensively but another rush of blood will likely yield dire consequences in future.
Diogo Dalot (7/10):
Advanced into Palace’s half repeatedly and was unlucky not to notch an assist when Garnacho hit the bar after a lovely through ball. A threat throughout the night.
Kobbie Mainoo (6/10):
Very efficient in possession. Perhaps a little less adventurous than his midfield team-mates, but he provided a steady base from which to build.
Christian Eriksen (6/10):
Some superb deliveries from set-pieces, which became United’s biggest threat. The game can pass him by in midfield, though, and he was dispossessed more than once. Subbed for Ugarte.
Bruno Fernandes (5/10):
Hit the crossbar and blazed one glaring chance just wide after the restart. It’s his job to open up the opposition, especially when playing with Eriksen and Mainoo, and he couldn’t do it. United need more from him.
Attack
Amad Diallo (5/10):
Peripheral. Got basically no change out of Tyrick Mitchell throughout and was substituted in the second half.
Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):
Denied by Henderson from close-range in the first half. Some decent hold-up play but only managed one shot all game and was hooked on the hour.
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):
Missed three presentable chances, and should certainly have scored when sent through one-on-one, only to be denied by Henderson. Was consistently industrious but he has to find an end product.
Subs & Manager
Marcus Rashford (5/10):
On for Zirkzee on the hour. Barely touched the ball.
Ramus Hojlund (6/10):
On for Diallo as United went for it. Held it up well but little else.
Manuel Ugarte (6/10):
Replaced Eriksen. Purposeful in possession.
Erik ten Hag (5/10):
This didn’t work. United had plenty of the ball but could have played until next week without finding the net. Dropping Rashford, and starting Amad, are two decisions that did not pan out, and he is indebted to his goalkeeper for a point.