Woodwork twice denies Manchester United as they draw at Crystal Palace

Manchester United struck the crossbar twice within a matter of seconds but split the points in a goalless stalemate with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Erik ten Hag opted to start with Marcus Rashford on the bench, and it was his replacement Alejandro Garnacho who was first to clip the woodwork just after the midway point in the first half.

Bruno Fernandes was also denied by the crossbar, while an excellent performance from goalkeeper Dean Henderson against his former club kept Palace in the contest with a number of big saves.

⏹️ The points are shared at Palace.#MUFC || #CRYMUN

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 21, 2024

Both sides had chances to change the scoreline as the Eagles grew into the contest after the break, with the hosts sharing the spoils for a third straight Premier League game.

The last time these sides met, Palace completed their first league double over the Red Devils in the midst of a fantastic season-closing run, but the hosts remained in search of their first victory of the new campaign going into Saturday’s late kick-off.

Matthijs de Ligt sent a header straight into the arms of Henderson from a corner in the early stages and the keeper got a glove to Garnacho’s sharp left-footed effort shortly afterwards.

United kept Henderson busy as he got down to block another De Ligt header at the near post, then Lisandro Martínez’s poke at goal from a similar position.

The hosts remained patient, but progress forward remained elusive until Jean-Philippe Mateta raced onto a ball over the top but his weak, low effort from a tight angle on the edge of the penalty area made easy work for Andre Onana.

It somehow remained goalless after Garnacho struck the bar from just inside the 18-yard box and the rebound