Crystal Palace heaped even more misery on Manchester United as the Red Devils slipped to a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Selhurst Park.
The loss dropped Erik ten Hag’s side down to eighth on the ladder, meaning they would not qualify for European football unless they defeat Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
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The four goals conceded to Palace also took United’s total tally of goals conceded across all competitions to 81, the most they have shipped since the 1976/77 campaign.
Michael Olise began the scoring for the hosts in the 12th minute before in-form striker Jean-Philippe Mateta doubled his side’s advantage in the 40th minute with a stunning solo effort.
Picking the ball up from defender Chris Richards, Mateta ran at United centre back Jonny Evans before unleashing a powerful strike past Andre Onana at his near post.
The goal was Mateta’s 10th in his last 14 league games and was also the sixth-straight home match in which he’d scored in.
Things didn’t get much better for United in the second half as Tyrick Mitchell scored Palace’s third in the 58th minute.
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Olise then bagged his second of the match just eight minutes later when he fired past Onana from the edge of the penalty area after Daniel Munoz had robbed Casemiro of the ball in United’s defensive third.
It was somewhat of a bizarre goal to concede given the ball landed in the middle of the net, sparking questions about Onana’s positioning.
The loss to Palace means United have now won just one of their last seven league games, which was a 4-2 victory over last-placed Sheffield United.
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes described it as “tough to watch”.
As for the Eagles, it is their fourth win in their last five as they look to build momentum ahead of next season under German boss Oliver Glasner.
Source Agencies
