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Man United suffered another nightmare at Old Trafford with defeat at Crystal Palace

Manchester United‘s struggles at Old Trafford went from bad to worse as they suffered a 0-2 defeat to Crystal Palace in Premier League match week 24. This was their fifth loss in six home league games, with their only win against bottom club Southampton.

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“The Theatre of Nightmares” as Crystal Palace put two against Man United at Old Trafford

British newspaper Daily Mail summed it up perfectly: “The Theatre of Nightmares.” Once a fortress, Old Trafford has become a place of frustration for the home fans. Since last season, only Wolves have lost more home games than United’s 13 defeats at Old Trafford. To make matters worse, Lisandro Martínez picked up a serious knee ligament injury in the second half.

Crystal Palace Mateta’s Brace Sinks Man United

After a goalless first half, Jean-Philippe Mateta took center stage, scoring twice to seal all three points for Palace. United experimented by playing Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine, leaving Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee on the bench—a gamble that failed miserably.

Despite dominating possession (67% to 33%) and outshooting Palace (18 shots to 11), United failed to create enough clear chances. In contrast, Crystal Palace had four big chances, while United only had one, according to FotMob.

Man United’s results since Amorim

• W- 4-0 vs. Everton
• L- 2-3 vs. Forest
• L- 0-3 vs. Bournemouth
• L- 0-2 vs. Newcastle
• W- 3-1 vs. Southampton
• L- 1-3 vs. Brighton
• L- 0-2 vs. Palace

How the Goals Went In

• In the 64th minute, Eberechi Eze floated a perfect free kick to Maxence Lacroix, whose header crashed off the crossbar. Mateta reacted quickest, tapping into an empty net. United’s 19-year-old defender Leny Yoro protested, claiming Lacroix pushed him, but the goal stood.
• 89th minute: United pushed forward but got caught on the counter. Daniel Muñoz broke free down the right squared the ball to Mateta, who calmly slotted home his second goal to silence Old Trafford.

United Left With No Answers

Old Trafford fell silent after Mateta’s second goal, knowing United never looked like scoring. Their best winning streak of the season (three games) was abruptly ended, bringing them back to reality. Rúben Amorim’s men must regroup quickly before facing Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth round on February 7 at Old Trafford.

Another chance to turn things around—but will they take it?