London: Manchester United are vulnerable to failing to qualify for Europe subsequent season after a dismal 4-0 thrashing at Crystal Palace left the Red Devils eighth in the Premier League.
Michael Olise scored twice, both aspect of objectives from the in-form Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell, because the Eagles’ resurgence because the appointment of Oliver Glasner as supervisor continues.
The time for a change of boss at Old Trafford may very well be coming quickly as Erik ten Hag fails to arrest a slide in his second season in cost.
United have solely been absent from European competitors as soon as because the 1989-90 season.
That got here after ending seventh in David Moyes’ sole marketing campaign 10 years in the past and the Scot was sacked with 4 video games of the season to go.
United have by no means come decrease than seventh in the Premier League period however are staring that chance in the face with title-chasing Arsenal to come at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Ten Hag has routinely cited damage issues as mitigation for his aspect’s struggles. The Dutchman was compelled to cobble collectively a makeshift backline as Casemiro deputised out of place at centre-back, alongside 36-year-old Jonny Evans.
Captain Bruno Fernandes was additionally absent as his proud report of by no means lacking a membership sport in his profession due to damage got here to an finish.
But there was little excuse for the dearth of combat or high quality on present from a United aspect, whose sole Premier League win in their final seven video games got here towards relegated Sheffield United.
Palace are unbeaten in their final 5 as former Eintracht Frankfurt boss Glasner’s undertaking takes form.
The south London membership could have to beat back curiosity in Olise and Eberechi Eze if they’re to kick on to even higher issues beneath the Austrian subsequent season.
Olise has attracted curiosity from United, Manchester City and Chelsea and confirmed why as he eased via the center of the guests’ defence earlier than firing low previous Andre Onana.
United failed to muster even a single shot heading in the right direction in the primary half however had been unlucky not to stage towards the run of play.
Casemiro’s looping header dropped into the online after Rasmus Hojlund clashed with Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson and was harshly penalised for a push.
But a two-goal half-time lead was the least Palace’s superiority deserved.
Mateta has been a person remodeled beneath Glasner and hammered dwelling his ninth objective in 11 video games after skipping previous the leaden-footed Evans with ease.
There was no response from United after the break on an evening which may very well be the ultimate straw for the membership’s new management group when deciding Ten Hag’s future.
Some heroics from Onana briefly saved the scoreline down as he saved from Eze, Will Hughes and Mitchell in fast succession.
But he was powerless to deny Mitchell a uncommon objective from shut vary as United had been lower open from a set-piece.
Onana was then caught out by the facility of Olise’s strike that flew previous the Cameroonian.
The margin of the defeat took United’s objective distinction to -3 which tells the story of a sorry season for the 20-time English champions.
The FA Cup remaining towards Manchester City gives Ten Hag one final shot at redemption, ought to he survive in cost till on May 25.
However, based mostly on this proof, United followers will concern double-chasing City might run riot at Wembley to inflict the last word humiliation.
