Crystal Palace 0
Manchester United 0
“Attack, attack, attack”, the Manchester United fans implored, but their team preferred to pass, pass, pass.
Against an out-of-form Crystal Palace side at Selhurst Park, Louis van Gaal’s outfit barely threatened their opponents’ goal in what was an extremely drab performance.
This was United’s third 0-0 draw in six days, and it is now 325 minutes since they last found the back of the net.
The debate about their pedestrian style of play has, up to now, largely focused on aesthetics. The risk-averse approach has drawn criticism for its lack of entertainment, with Van Gaal lambasted for choosing to abandon United’s high-tempo and forward-thinking traditions.
There is, though, an increasingly strong argument that the Dutchman’s obsession with possession is costing United points as well as plaudits.
Palace are a good team who can cause opponents plenty of problems going forward, but they are not exactly renowned for their defensive resolve.
Alan Pardew’s men have recorded just two clean sheets in 14 matches this term, while their XI yesterday featured a converted winger in the centre of midfield in Jason Puncheon.
In theory, then, Palace should not have been too difficult to break down. That United – whose starting line-up cost around £225 million (Dh1.3 billion) – failed so comprehensively to demonstrate anything remotely resembling creativity is rather damning indeed.
Two key statistics told the story: United had 56 per cent of the ball but managed just one shot on target. There was no penetration to their passing and little off-the-ball movement. Juan Mata, drifting infield from the right, looked bright but the rest of his teammates struggled.
Anthony Martial, too, struggled to exert any influence. Van Gaal later said that playing on the left is not a new position for the former Monaco man, but he is wasted out wide, where his clinical finishing and excellent link-up play are largely rendered redundant.
Palace seemed to grow more comfortable with every passing minute, and it was they who fashioned the clearer-cut opportunities. Marouane Fellaini was brought on in the closing stages as United switched to their well-established Plan B of firing long balls in the Belgian’s direction. Just like their patient probing earlier in the game, however, the cruder tactic late on brought little success.
“We were not the better team today, so I cannot complain,” Van Gaal said.
That was an understatement. United continue to flatter to deceive, with the lack of incision and guile a growing concern.
There is far greater defensive solidity to the side this season, with just eight goals conceded in 11 top-flight matches.
But this is Manchester United, the 20-time English champions. A lack of entertainment can be tolerated when results are positive but they now have just one win in six and 17 months on from his appointment at Old Trafford, Van Gaal’s pragmatic possession has yet to really convince.
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