Sam Johnstone makes admission over winning return to Manchester United after Carabao Cup defeat

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone enjoyed a winning return to Old Trafford with an excellent performance in Saturday's 1-0 win over Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag's side suffered their fourth defeat of the season, making it their worst start to a league campaign since 1989. Joachim Andersen scored the only goal of the game, rifling an effort past Andre Onana via a deflection off Diogo Dalot.

Despite dominating possession, United were unable to find the breakthrough, owing to a string of wasteful finished and poor decision-making. Rare openings fell to Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho but both were met by a defiant Johnstone, returning to the club he spent seven years at without making a single competitive appearance.

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“There’s no real rest [in games like that],” Johnstone told Palace TV. “It’s always coming back at us and the lads are digging in. There’s blocks, there’s saves, there’s headers, again and again.

“It’s tough but to be honest it probably keeps you switched on. There was a lot of action coming towards our goal. There were great blocks, great saves, great clearances, a good goal from Joa [Andersen] – and a great result.

“If Joa can do that every week we’ll all be happy, won’t we?! Everyone knows how good he is with the ball at his feet and his technique… we stuck to the plan and dug in and held out for the rest of the game.

“I haven’t been back here very often since I left and it’s nice to come here, make a couple of saves and get a good result.”

United were hopeful of enjoying another commanding win after putting three past Palace without reply in Tuesday's Carabao Cup third round clash. Johnstone came