Two men are to blame for the Manchester United mess after Crystal Palace defeat

The Stretford End started a new chant: "He’ll bring the glory days again, we’ll back him from the Stretford End, he’ll turn the Reds around, Ruben Amorim." Not with this lot.

Manchester United are still afflicted with stage fright at Old Trafford, where Crystal Palace have won two seasons running. It is now a staggering seven home defeats in the Premier League for United in 2024-25 and five defeats in their past six at Old Trafford. This lot can't win successive league games.

"You're going down with Southampton," crowed the Cockneys in the away end. There was an impromptu rendition of, "Marcus Rashford, he left 'cause you're s**t." Only Wolves have lost more home league games than United since the start of last term.

This was the standard United defeat: no goals and conceding a goal from a set piece. Amorim's assistant, Carlos Fernandes, continues to occupy the technical area whenever there is a dead-ball kick. He must be tempted to charge into the penalty area and take ownership himself.

In the 73rd minute, the Stretford End implored Bruno Fernandes to shoot. He hesitated and passed the ball outside the area. When he did hit it, the Stretford Enders shielded for cover. United have not scored in nine league matches this season.

Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu, the first signings of the Amorim era, made a low-key introduction 20 minutes before kick-off to continue United's trend of pre-match unveilings. United have a new centre back and full back when the urgent need is for a goalscorer.

Rashford will be the third forward to have left United this month and not one has come in yet. That is an unconscionable failing and the blame lies at the feet of the technical director, Jason Wilcox, and chief executive Omar Berrada.

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