[leeroyTX]

Have no complaints at all about this one. I thought they moved well and were clearly the better team for the full 90 minutes. Palace is just not a good team so it was nice to see United finally not play down to the competition. I just like Hannibal and his energy. I know he's not going to get many minutes with a full compliment of midfielders but there are definitely games he can affect with his motor.

I'd really love to think this is a mere preview of what's to come this weekend. Need the win streak to continue and build confidence in the group.

 

[Dargonk]

Good comfortable win for once, which was nice.

 

[Baneofthegame]

Comfortable against a poor palace side, hopefully more of the same this weekend.

 

[Tincanalley]

So. Do you play Rashford on the weekend ?

I wouldn't.

I agree. Martial did well. Also shows you don’t miss Antony one bit; Sancho is an utter waste of space. Very thought-provoking night; attitude on the pitch was great. That batch of young talent; energetic, committed, heart-warming. Well done Ten Hag, as well as the players.

As others have said, the young/old mix worked great. Maguire did great, and Jonny Evans is a revelation. Varane is a top player, of course. And Casemiro; it’s a privilege to watch a master do his thing.

 

[DJ_21]

That’s a Ten Hag performance. Dominated and controlled. Best we’ve played all season… young ones look hungry. Need the same again on Saturday with the likes of Rashford/Bruno playing.

 

[ScholesyTheWise]

Well, you can only win who you play against.
Sure we're not going to face many teams showing such a low level of football as Palace did today,
But I'm quite surprised we managed to turn this one into an easy game, even if it was served on a plate for us.

 

[Overhaul FC]

Shaw’s been injured for most games

Yet Reguilon and Amrabat have been better than him in the position. See if he returns and plays well.

 

[reddevilz007]

Possession is better without Bruno and Rashford; it’s more of team performance, which is what we’ve been looking for rather than some individual moments of brilliance that we have gotten used for far too long.

 

[ohhrooney]

So good to see United without Rashford. Instead of players playing for themselves, we actually played as a team for a change.

Garnacho and Hannibal were closing in on players like a mad bull. Something to learn for Rashford and Mctominay

More of this in Premier League please.

 

[Escobar]

Possession is better without Bruno and Rashford; it’s more of team performance, which is what we’ve been looking for rather than some individual moments of brilliance that we have gotten used for far too long.

Hence I would not mind benching certain players if they dont improve their form and work

 

[Woodywizz]

Possession is better without Bruno and Rashford; it’s more of team performance, which is what we’ve been looking for rather than some individual moments of brilliance that we have gotten used for far too long.

Exactly this. I’m actually not looking forward to them coming back in the side on Saturday and we end up playing as shite as we have been.

 

[sglowrider]

Varane also makes a huge difference. Palace's biggest chance came from Evans getting caught out playing Mateta onside. It's no coincidence our defensive numbers with and without Varane are night and day in since he came here.

Gave us the foundation to be more aggressive going forward. Its a shame Maguire didn't leave to enable us to get a fast physical technical CB as a backup.

 

[AndySmith1990]

It was a good team performance, and that's the key word here; team.

There's always been too much focus on here towards individual stats. Some think we'd be relegated without Rashford and Bruno. Simply not true. It's possible for teams to be more than the sum of its parts.

But really the main factor is the improved performance was effort and attitude. Players ran, worked hard, and gave a shit. That's what a functional team needs as a bare minimum, 11 players who put in the effort and follow instructions and play for each other, not just themselves. Not half a dozen players with the rest doing whatever they feel like.

That's where players like Amrabat, Mount and Hannibal will make the difference

 

[Amarsdd]

We've played better than today in the first 15-20 mins of few other games this season but just hadn't managed to get the first goal. So the first goal was massive for us today and helped us settle down and focus on controlling the game.

 

[Wrecking ralf]

Would really like to see a similar setup at the weekend. Obviously with Rash, Bruno and Hojlund in for Martial, Garnacho and Mejbri cause they won’t be left out again. Wouldn’t be too worried about Harry starting if he is protected by Amrabat and Cas. So long as he doesn’t get turned high up the pitch he’ll be fine. The dynamic looked good last night. Was an enjoyable game for a change.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

Finally A 90 minute performance. May we replicate it in the league

 

[RoyH1]

Casemiro played great. When he's firing on all cylinders he's our most capable player.

 

[Savlehest]

Most enjoyable boring game in a long time. We outclassed Palace in every aspect. We actually looked like someone who could turn a gear or two up, but cruised with control. Love to see the young players take the chance.

Was I the only one who could smell the red card (second yellow) to Hannibal. Must have been close. I really liked his energy, high pressing and always chased his man.

 

[justsomebloke]

Oh, that felt good watching!

Caution however dictates being careful about how much to take from it given the opponents performance here. Palace barely tried to attack or press, and just dropped deep. In such a scenario, your defenders and midfielders will have every opportunity to do well on the ball and won't be much exposed without it, so will typically look good, while your attackers will find it more difficult.

Having that at the back of one's head;

Casemiro was a giant - finally again that truckload of great forward passes. MOTM without doubt.

Then, Amrabat, who was heartening to watch. Looked like exactly what we need, taking care of the first phase of the buildup with clockwork efficiency, always playable, strong in his passing, and with dangerous forays forward. Also a rock defensively on the occasions he was challenged while playing left back.

Dalot and Maguire had good games, Varane stabilised the back 4, Gore had a terrific cameo, Mount had his best game in a United shirt so far.

More patchy on the forward end. No one got a lot done, except for good goals from Martial and Garnacho. Hannibal and Pellistri worked hard, but there really wasn't much end product on the ball, especially from Hannibal. I wonder what Pellistris pass completion % was, it can't have been very high. On one occasion, he misplaced passes three times during the course of a single play sequence.

Really stoked for Saturday - hope this trend continues!

 

[mitchmouse]

Two good corners in consecutive matches - what the hell is going on?

 

[Rams]

Palace were dreadful, but that doesn’t take anything away from the way we played, which was very encouraging. Most pleasing was the way Casemiro & Ambrabat seemed to link together, as if they had been playing together for years. I think Casemiro is at his best when he has a bit of freedom to get forward, and Amrabat when he hovers and guards the CB’s. It was really evident and makes a world of difference to the team, very solid looking.

 

[justsomebloke]

Palace were dreadful, but that doesn’t take anything away from the way we played, which was very encouraging. Most pleasing was the way Casemiro & Ambrabat seemed to link together, as if they had been playing together for years. I think Casemiro is at his best when he has a bit of freedom to get forward, and Amrabat when he hovers and guards the CB’s. It was really evident and makes a world of difference to the team, very solid looking.

Agreed, very encouraging. Now it remains to be seen if they can do that against a team that actually tries with serious intent to press and attack.

I never would have even thought this before the season began, but maybe where we are now is that Casemiro is our #8, not our #6? And Mount our RW (for as long as Antony and Sancho is away, which might be permanent).

 

[Rooney in Paris]

I agree. Martial did well. Also shows you don’t miss Antony one bit; Sancho is an utter waste of space. Very thought-provoking night; attitude on the pitch was great. That batch of young talent; energetic, committed, heart-warming. Well done Ten Hag, as well as the players.

As others have said, the young/old mix worked great. Maguire did great, and Jonny Evans is a revelation. Varane is a top player, of course. And Casemiro; it’s a privilege to watch a master do his thing.

To the bolded - it wasn't, really. It was a good performance against an incredibly poor side, with good performances all around (except for Pellistri, no idea why you think we're not missing Antony). It was good work, very professional, and then you move on from it. You don't make illogical conclusions about 2 of our best players on the basis of this game.

 

[astracrazy]

That’s a Ten Hag performance. Dominated and controlled. Best we’ve played all season… young ones look hungry. Need the same again on Saturday with the likes of Rashford/Bruno playing.

or without......

Really impressed with Amrabat, Casemiro and Mount last night. They could become a fantastic midfield trio.

 

[Rusholme Ruffian]

Yet Reguilon and Amrabat have been better than him in the position. See if he returns and plays well.

Shaw was brilliant all of last season (barring a meltdown at Anfield along with most of the team), and he's been injured for most of this season. Don't know what you're on about frankly.

 

[LordSpud]

The Rashford project doesn't work, it's clear to see. It's okay telling him to use little energy so he's got the burst when we attack, but it hampers the team in defence and to be honest 8/10 times even on the attack he chooses the wrong option.

Will be interesting to see if he gets back into the side at the weekend and we revert back to type. Which will then be even more interesting to see if Ten Hag takes him out of the team for a bit.

 

[Born2Lose]

Had my doubts before the match, but glad EtH took the chance to give some youngsters a game. So refreshing, and a reminder of better times to see two hard working wingers and so much young potential being given an opportunity to shine.

Good to see Mount finally getting a lot more involved in things in his brief appearance.

Reminded me of watching league cup games under SAF. This club is and always will be bigger than any player.

 

[honirelandboy]

Great performance and result, the team actually wanted to play for each other. Amrabat, Mount Casemeiro, Hannibal looks exciting along with the energy of Garnacho and Pellestri. I'm hoping Rashford is dropped for the game on Saturday as he needs a major kick up the arse. I thought Dalot was excellent and Maguire played well. He might actually be good with a proper midfield. Ten Hag has some big decisions to make going forward.

 

[quadrant]

Positive game overall. Not great opposition, but equally, half our team were 2nd or 3rd choice too, so lets not put outselves down too much.

What was nice was that most of our players left you with something positive to say. The younger players all managed to get involved and impact the game. Maguire had a steady game, Mount looked much better and got involved, Casemiro was in great form. Even Martial took his goal well and was maybe a couple of ticks better in his general play than recently.

Main disappointement is that again we only got 3 goals. Goalscoring has been a problem throughout ETH's time and with having scored our 3rd goal with over half an our to go, its a shame we couldnt reach 4 or 5, which would really have been a boost for everyone.

Still, a really good confidence boost nontheless.

 

[Rightnr]

Varane also makes a huge difference. Palace's biggest chance came from Evans getting caught out playing Mateta onside. It's no coincidence our defensive numbers with and without Varane are night and day in since he came here.

Comfortably our best player this season when fit. The issue the second part of that statement.

 

[justsomebloke]

Yet Reguilon and Amrabat have been better than him in the position. See if he returns and plays well.

Amrabat has played less than a full game in the position, almost all of it against inferior opposition. Reguilon not a lot more, and also it is quite absurd to argue he's been better than Shaw there.

 

[justsomebloke]

Great performance and result, the team actually wanted to play for each other. Amrabat, Mount Casemeiro, Hannibal looks exciting along with the energy of Garnacho and Pellestri. I'm hoping Rashford is dropped for the game on Saturday as he needs a major kick up the arse. I thought Dalot was excellent and Maguire played well. He might actually be good with a proper midfield. Ten Hag has some big decisions to make going forward.

Yeah. Energy. But not a lot of end product, in terms of passes that get there or successful challenges, or shots. They are in my view plainly not of the quality to play regularly for a top team, at this stage. Even Garnacho still needs easing in.

 

[Zed 101]

Wow Palace were poor

 

[astracrazy]

Yeah. Energy. But not a lot of end product, in terms of passes that get there or successful challenges, or shots. They are in my view plainly not of the quality to play regularly for a top team, at this stage. Even Garnacho still needs easing in.

Yeah, those three are going to be back ups/rotations to Bruno, Rashford and Anthony aren't they. They look promising though.

Pellestri needs to work on his strength in my opinion, he can beat a player but anything man to man and he gets pushed off far to easy. Whilst Garnacho reminds me of an early Ronaldo, once or twice last night he beat a player but just had to try and do it again but lost it.

 

[Buster15]

It was a good team performance, and that's the key word here; team.

There's always been too much focus on here towards individual stats. Some think we'd be relegated without Rashford and Bruno. Simply not true. It's possible for teams to be more than the sum of its parts.

But really the main factor is the improved performance was effort and attitude. Players ran, worked hard, and gave a shit. That's what a functional team needs as a bare minimum, 11 players who put in the effort and follow instructions and play for each other, not just themselves. Not half a dozen players with the rest doing whatever they feel like.

That's where players like Amrabat, Mount and Hannibal will make the difference

Spot on about playing as a team.
The attitude shown was a revelation compared to previous games.
All of the players have to learn one important thing.
With Ten Hag you have to earn your place. Reputation means nothing.

 

[quadrant]

Yeah. Energy. But not a lot of end product, in terms of passes that get there or successful challenges, or shots. They are in my view plainly not of the quality to play regularly for a top team, at this stage. Even Garnacho still needs easing in.

Hannibal at least had a decent season last year, which might indicate promise. 5 assists and a goal in 21 starts & 17 subs for a team that finished 17th in the Championship is alright for a 19/20 year old, even if it is at a lower level.

Pellistri I'm not sold on, but who knows.

 

[elmo]

Yet Reguilon and Amrabat have been better than him in the position. See if he returns and plays well.

He’s been our top 5 player for the past few seasons but let’s blame him because he didn’t perform for 2 games

 

[Zed 101]

I think if we are talking squads and rotation then every player on that pitch is worth it, cannot really single out a player as being below the required standard, Hannibal did look likely to be sent off but that aside, obviously many would not be first choice but then I think that is a problem we have with our mindset as fans that we sometimes want 2 teams of superstars in rotation, for me we do better with a majority of solid reliable players and a sprinkling of worldies

 

[justsomebloke]

Hannibal at least had a decent season last year, which might indicate promise. 5 assists and a goal in 21 starts & 17 subs for a team that finished 17th in the Championship is alright for a 19/20 year old, even if it is at a lower level.

Pellistri I'm not sold on, but who knows.

Sure, I think they both show promise, and progress too. It's just I don't think they're good enough to start frequently for United, at least not yet.

 

[justsomebloke]

I think if we are talking squads and rotation then every player on that pitch is worth it, cannot really single out a player as being below the required standard, Hannibal did look likely to be sent off but that aside, obviously many would not be first choice but then I think that is a problem we have with our mindset as fans that we sometimes want 2 teams of superstars in rotation, for me we do better with a majority of solid reliable players and a sprinkling of worldies

That sort of squad simply won't allow you to contend for the Premier League these days.