It is a much welcomed performance and even better a win for Manchester United. I sadly didn’t have much hopes and I surely didn’t expect much from Man United but they proved naysayers and doubtful fans(me included) wrong.
United really dominated the game and it showed in the scoreline. A good performance from United.
I’m also happy for Onana as he managed to a clean sheet in this game. Hopefully, this win would help give the lads some more confidence going forward.
Without Rashford, Man United played more freely, attractively and solidly. It can be seen that no player is selfish in forcing themselves to score goals. Everyone is trying to work together and this formation clearly has to be evaluated by Erik Ten Hag. I see it as an improvement in being able to play players who are often on the reserve side but are starting to be motivated to be able to enter the main squad. Make no mistake, if Erik Ten Hag likes this composition, he will try it in the next match.
Pellistri also grew significantly in several matches where he continued to be given opportunities, even though he did not score a goal. Mason Mount provided a good assist, he seemed to enjoy being given the freedom to move and carry the ball. Crystal Palace couldn't do much attack, the back line played solidly. Garnacho helps the attack non-stop, I think they deserve full points if they play like this. When putting aside selfishness the game can be much controlled.
The question is whether another weekend in the Premier League against Crystal Palace can produce the same points or vice versa? I appreciate this victory but it needs to be shown in the next match. The reason is that Crystale Palace will learn from this defeat and try not to be beaten again.