Manchester United enjoyed a routine 2-0 victory over a weakened Crystal Palace side at Old Trafford on Wednesday. A Damien Delaney own goal and a Matteo Darmian belter from the edge of the box ensured that United kept themselves alive in the race for the top four.
We look at the 5 talking points that shaped up the game:
Delaney’s own goal sets the tone of the game
United – as they always do at Old Trafford – started the game on the front foot, stroking the ball around well. But they would never have anticipated the manner in which they scored – or rather were helped to score – their opening goal.
A low cross by Matteo Darmian from the left was apparently dealt with by centre-back Damien Delaney – only for his touch to flash past the keeper for an own goal.
It was a fortuitous moment for United, but they will take that all day long as they edged closer to Arsenal and Manchester City in the top four.
Veteran Julian Speroni stars on his first start this season
Crystal Palace fans would have been glad to see 36-year old Julian Speroni’s name on the team-sheet – his first appearance this season following a long injury layoff. The Argentine – who has been at Selhurst Park since 2004 – was absolutely phenomenal, making around 10 saves to keep the score down for the Eagles.
His double save to deny Rashford and Jesse Lingard was a highlight and suggestive of the fact that he still has a few years left ahead of him. The first-choice keeper Wayne Hennessey will be sweating over his place thanks to this impressive display by Speroni.
Antonio Valencia’s pace at right-back causes Papa Souare a number of problems
Ever since Ecuadorian winger Antonio Valencia made his return from injury, he has been in sublime touch for United. The Palace game was yet another example of what he is capable of, making those dashing runs down the flanks and getting quality crosses into the box.
He gave Pape Souare a tough evening to deal with, beating him for pace and not allowing himself to get dispossessed by the Eagles’ left-back.
Valencia may well be in contention for a starting place when United face off against Everton in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final against Everton at Wembley.
Emmanuel Adebayor gets no service up front
When a striker with the physical attributes of Emmanuel Adebayor is playing as the lone striker, he requires one thing for certain – service from his midfielders. He barely received any thanks to some solid United defending.
Even when the ball found its way to the Togolese striker, he struggled to beat Smalling and Blind aerially to cause any threat to David de Gea’s goal. The fact that de Gea did not have to sting his palms even once was reflective of how inept Palace were in the final third.
With the likes of the big Sebastien Prodl to deal with in the FA Cup semi-final, Alan Pardew must get that aspect of their game right if they are to emerge victorious in that fixture.
Should Pape Souare have been sent off?
There weren’t too many controversial incidents to take note of in this game, but one contentious moment did come up early in the second-half when left-back Pape Souare appeared to go high over the ball with both his studs off the ground.
His momentum took out Juan Mata, who can consider himself extremely lucky that he didn’t come out of that challenge with a broken leg. Referee Lee Mason’s decision to only book the fullback angered many United players and fans in and around Old Trafford.
Souare was probably saved by the fact that he had played the ball before making the challenge. It was a contentious decision, but one which was quickly accepted by the opposite side.
