Some Manchester United players lacked focus the moment they arrived at Crystal Palace

Rasmus Hojlund made a beeline for some YouTube gamers when he arrived at Selhurst Park. On current form, Hojlund is likelier to score playing on Fifa than on the pitch.

Hojlund has scored one goal fewer than the oft-derided Nicolas Jackson has for Chelsea. Jackson is 22 and Hojlund 21, and also arrived in England from a 'big five' league. They are both leading the line in pressurised environments, so the comparison is valid.

Cody Gakpo, 25 today, also has a goal more than Hojlund. Gakpo cost a final fee of £44.3m and Jackson moved for £32m. The £72m Hojlund is blameless for Manchester United overpaying but when he is wobbling appearances matter. Deviating to greet some influencers whilst on a run of one goal in eight games matters. It is now one in nine.

Diogo Dalot, the longest-serving starter in the United line-up, offered the assembled gamers a salute. He was later wiping his brow after a night up against Eberechi Eze.

A matchgoing friend stayed at the Hilton Croydon, where United checked into on Monday afternoon, and saw the team depart for the ground. He said Erik ten Hag "looked beat up".

EXCLUSIVE: Mourinho wants to manage United for a second time

LUCKHURST: Palace embarrassment could signal the end of another United manager

There were around two dozen supporters present for United's send-off and the matchgoer said Ten Hag did not acknowledge them. He gave the away followers in the Arthur Wait Stand a swerve later that evening. The matchgoer left at half-time to return to the Hilton.

A backlash was never forthcoming. Another friend in the away end described the scenes at full-time as "poignant". Every United player applauded the travelling support and it was reciprocated.

"We have seen the fans, they are