Paul Merson criticises Manchester United tactics and gives Rasmus Hojlund verdict vs Palace

Paul Merson has questioned Manchester United's lack of tactical nous after they were beaten 1-0 at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

United fell to a fourth Premier League defeat of the season at Old Trafford, Joachim Andersen scoring the only goal of the game inside 25 minutes. The Palace defender's fierce half-volley deflected off Diogo Dalot and into Andre Onana's net.

Despite dominating possession, Erik ten Hag's side failed to create many clear-cut chances and were unable to rattle a resolute away side. Goals continue to be an issue for the Dutchman and Merson is concerned by how easily their attacking threat can be nullified.

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“You just don’t see the patterns of play, if it comes off, it comes off,” Merson told Sky Sports. “You watch Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, they have patterns of play.

“At Man United it's just get the ball wide and hope Rashford does something, and if he does we might score a goal. Amrabat was wasted on the left side, he came in the middle but he should start there.

“They need to dominate teams, it's too slow at Man United, they let teams get into the game and settle. They have to go for them in the opening 20 minutes. Disappointing, not really made loads of chances and were lost of ideas for a lot of the game.”

Rasmus Hojlund started on Saturday but failed to cause significant problems. The 20-year-old was involved in build-up play but rarely found openings inside the Palace box.

United had plenty of attacking talent on the pitch over the 90 minutes but failed to create any big chances for their striker, who cut a frustrated figure on a tough day for the Reds.

“He did