"Manchester Evening News" thinks: Manchester United is on the offensive, why can't it break through the door of Crystal Palace? Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag has promised that this game will be "different" from the 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at the start of May, and that was exactly the case in the first half. United created plenty of chances and controlled the game, but somehow couldn't break down the door guarded by Dean · Henderson.
What was different in this game was Ten Hag's tactical set-up, with United clearly holding high from the opening whistle and Lisandro · Martinez constantly pushing their team-mates forward, urging them to push forward more aggressively than usual. Ten Hag's tactics have been questioned and criticised over the past 12 months, but he did make changes and demand more control in midfield. United looked more organised, tighter and harder to press, and when Palace were tackled in midfield, they were able to win counter-attacks.
Eriksen started and the option could backfire, but he proved his worth. By the 25th minute, United had 70 per cent possession and Palace struggled to cope with the Reds, who swarmed when they had the ball. Manchester United's control of the game in the first half was impressive, something not seen in the Premier League this season, thanks to the "forward defense"!
Diogo · Dalot, Martinez, De Ligt and Mazraoui look like a well-trained team who are developing a chemistry after three consecutive league starts. The benefits of having a consistent backline are clear – something that was rare for United did last season – and the quartet know when to step forward and when to press.
Last season in particular, it wasn't always clear what Ten Hag asked his players to do, but a more forward defence was evident and it would help United control the game more. The huge void that often occurred in midfield last season needs to be addressed in the new season, and while the defeat to Liverpool was a setback, progress has been made.
The only criticism in the first half was that United didn't take their chances, which almost looked costly, and Onana was forced to make a world-class save that he could have watched from the stands. Onana joined last summer to revolutionise the team's attacking play and his importance will become even greater if United continue to defend forward.
As the game wore on, United's defence began to retreat and it was bound to be difficult to maintain that style of play for 90 minutes away from home, and while United were disappointed to pick up just one point, a brighter future could be seen. As long as United can continue to 'defend forward', they will control more games and have a better chance of winning games, no matter who the opponent is. This team is heading in the right direction, and after a bad start, will this be a turnaround?
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