Manchester United fans have been left fuming following the club's defeat in their first Premier League game of the season against Crystal Palace. The Red Devils found themselves on the wrong end of a 3:1 scoreline in Saturday evening's encounter, a result that landed the Eagles an all-new milestone.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men began the encounter on the back foot with Andros Townsend capitalizing on poor defending by the host to score the game's opener in the seventh minute. A controversial 74th-minute penalty gave Crystal Palace the chance to double their advantage after Victor Lindelof had handled the ball in his side's penalty area. The initial attempt by Jordan Ayew was saved by David De Gea but a VAR check revealed that the goalkeeper moved off his line before the Ghanaian made his attempt, forcing a replay which was converted by Wilfred Zaha.
New-boy Donny Van de Beek marked his debut by coming off the bench to score a consolation goal for the Red Devils. However, another moment of poor defending by Victor Lindelof paved the way for Zaha to end the game with a brace. In effect, the Ivorian international became the first ex-player of the Old Trafford club to score twice against them in a Premier League.
In the grand scheme of things, Crystal Palace registered their second-ever consecutive away win over Manchester United in their history. Roy Hodgson's men are now unbeaten in their last four Premier League away games against the Red Devils and their rivals Manchester City.
2 – @CPFC have won consecutive away games against Manchester United for the first time in their history. Jubilation. pic.twitter.com/qE6O2lMPJG
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 19, 2020
Meanwhile, Saturday's result added more salt to the wounds of United fans who have been left frustrated by the club's reluctance to sign players this summer. Despite being linked with a number of top talents in European football, The club's board, led by chief executive Ed Woodward have only managed to recruit Donny Van de Beek. A move for Jadon Sancho has been at an impasse for weeks with Borussia Dortmund refusing to compromise on their asking price whereas other targets have either completed moves elsewhere or are not interested in joining the club.
Below are a few reactions by fans following the day's defeat to Palace:
Manchester United are so slavishly following the Liverpool 1990s model that Ed Woodward must be thinking that now is the time to give joint managers a go
— Dion Fanning (@dionfanning) September 19, 2020
This is one of the faces behind Manchester United's demise.
— Kyle (@KyleDesigns_) September 19, 2020
Ed Woodward you sir, are a embarrassment. pic.twitter.com/XKxl0mE6TD
Do the right thing @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/XJfkKdAaNI
— UTFR (@ManUtd_HQ) September 19, 2020
Why did I sign for Manchester United? #MUNCRY pic.twitter.com/x3jEABKAyg
— Sharyf (@Sharyf__) September 19, 2020
This man more than anyone is responsible for Manchester United's demise. Brokered the leveraged Glazer buyout. Lies ad infinitum about #MUFC transfer plans. Protects the Glazers every day of the week and pays himself £4.152m a year. He is pure evil for our football club. pic.twitter.com/9GILsjdqSN
— Joe Sillett (@JoeSillett) September 19, 2020
We need Edwin Van Der Sar to replace Ed Woodward before it's to late.#GlazersOutWoodwardOut #EdWoodwardOut@ManUtd pic.twitter.com/gB1HKwzvg3
— MALAYSIA THALAPATHY FANS CLUB #RAWANG (@MalaysiaRawang) September 19, 2020
How can Manchester United start a brand new season with Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Daniel James as their right flank? They're supposed to be moving forward. As pressing as the need for a right-sided forward is, though, how another centre-half has not been prioritised is staggering
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) September 19, 2020
MUFC deserved nothing there. Palace excellent and undefeated at O.T in three seasons. MU dire and lethargic after no pre-season. Stop piss balling about and get the manger the players he wants. And clearly needs. It's Manchester United.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) September 19, 2020
