Crystal Palace vs Manchester United: 5 talking points as Red Devils grind out crucial victory | Premier League 2019-20

#3 Timothy Fosu-Mensah

Timothy Fosu-Mensah made his first Manchester United appearance in three years

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not surprised a lot of people with his team selection since the restart. In fact, the majority of Manchester United's fans have been happy with Solskjaer's choices so far.

However, his decision to play Timothy Fosu-Mensah at left-back raised a lot of eyebrows. With injuries to Luke Shaw and Brandon Williams, it was expected that Diogo Dalot would be given a run in that position. Despite Dalot being available, Solskjaer picked Fosu-Mensah to start — his first for Manchester United in three years.

Timothy Fosu-Mensah will make his first appearance for Manchester United since May 2017 this evening pic.twitter.com/nGT42OLIKW

— utdreport (@utdreport) July 16, 2020

Neither Fosu-Mensah nor right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka are particularly good going forward. Luke Shaw caused a majority of the ball progression from the left-hand side, but Fosu-Mensah isn't the Englishman. Both full-backs failed to contribute meaningfully in attack, meaning that the burden of creativity was carried solely by the midfielders and the front three.

---

---

#2 Manchester United need to rest players

Bruno Fernandes looked tired against Crystal Palace

Solskjaer has faithfully stuck with a familiar lineup since the restart, and the effects are beginning to show.

Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United's talismanic midfielder, looked short of inspiration against Crystal Palace. There was no doubting the commitment, but the Portguese simply looked tired and worn. It is not easy for any footballer to play the amount of games that almost every top player has played since the restart. Fernandes looked like he could do with a rest, even though he assisted Marcus Rashford's goal.

Premier League assists this season:Fernandes - 8B. Silva - 7Mane - 7Willian - 7Bruno Fernandes has only played 12 games 🤯 pic.twitter.com/0b5EoZSHjv

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 16, 2020

The same applies to Mason Greenwood. It was rumoured that Daniel James would be used on the right-wing today, owing to an injury to Greenwood. However, he started the game, and looked to running on fumes.

Burnout is a serious issue, which could lead to future problems. Solskjaer needs to be aware of that.

---

#1 Crystal Palace proved to be tricky opponents

Wilfried Zaha was lively

Manchester United have had relatively easy outings in the Premier League since the restart, bar the Southampton game.

However, Crystal Palace were comfortably United's trickiest opposition. Roy Hodgson, as expected, implemented a low-block, which hindered United's tired attack. By crowding the midfield zone, Palace placed encouraged their wingers, Andros Townsend and Zaha, to bomb forward.

Full of rugged tackles and stoic defensive actions, Hodgson's men made United earn their victory. They were the better attacking side in the first half, testing David de Gea a couple of times as well.

Manchester United may have won the game, but it wasn't easy by any means. The Red Devils more often than not will encounter teams like Crystal Palace when they face the lower half of the table. They need to be ready for the challenge and break them down.

---