Match Report: Manchester United 3-0 Crystal Palace - Man United Transfer News

Manchester United dominate Crystal Palace in League Cup win, securing second straight victory and continuing season recovery.

Manchester United delivered a commanding performance against a below-par Crystal Palace in their League Cup third-round clash, emerging victorious with a 3-0 win. This marks their second consecutive win and showcases their ongoing recovery from a disappointing start to the season.

The match began with the visitors maintaining control of the ball for an extended period. However, Manchester United quickly regained dominance, opening up passing lanes and showcasing their superior possession game.

Although United faced some tight man marking that caused frustration, the game seemed poised to open up when Diogo Dalot passed the ball towards Sofyan Amrabat. Unfortunately, Amrabat wasted a prime scoring opportunity by ballooning his shot over the top.

Shortly after, Palace came close to scoring, but Harry Maguire's last-ditch clearance saved United from conceding early. Despite playing a limited role, Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson was substituted due to an injury, making way for Sam Johnstone.

Just a minute later, United broke the deadlock and opened the scoring with their first clear chance of the game. Alejandro Garnacho capitalized on a blistering counter-attack, slotting the ball into the bottom right corner to give United the lead.

Dalot almost doubled United's lead with a thunderous shot from the right, forcing a diving save from Johnstone. However, on the 25-minute mark, Mason Mount threaded the ball to Facundo Pellistri, who narrowly missed out on scoring after being tackled by Chris Richards. Nevertheless, Mount's subsequent corner found the head of Casemiro, who scored United's second goal of the night.

While the match became somewhat subdued in the following minutes, United remained confident on the ball, exhibiting a strong passing game and maintaining 67% possession in the first half. Just before half-time, United intensified their efforts to find a third goal, with Mount's dangerous cross being tipped away for a corner.

The second half saw Victor Lindelof replace Mount, with the Swedish substitute taking up the left-back position, while Amrabat shifted into Mount's vacant midfield position. After a lengthy build-up play, Casemiro swung a deep cross to Anthony Martial, who struck a superb volley to extend United's lead to three goals after 56 minutes.

Substitutions followed, with Jonny Evans coming on for Raphael Varane and Dan Gore making his competitive United debut as Amrabat was replaced. Palace finally registered their first shot on target in the 67th minute, but Onana's save denied them a consolation goal.

With 20 minutes left in normal time, Hannibal made way for Donny van de Beek, who made his first competitive appearance for United since January. Jonny Evans came close to scoring, reminiscent of his heroics against Burnley, but the Palace keeper saved his header.

Martial, the goal scorer, was substituted for Rasmus Hojlund with 15 minutes remaining. United's clean sheet was nearly compromised in the 84th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta went one-on-one with Onana, but the United goalkeeper produced a brilliant save.

In the 88th minute, United unleashed a barrage of long-range shots, with Lindelof and Garnacho testing Johnstone, who made challenging saves to prevent further humiliation for Palace.

At the full-time whistle, Erik ten Hag had plenty to be pleased about as United comfortably dispatched a subdued Palace team, advancing to the fourth round of the League Cup and continuing their season rebuild.

United fans will be hopeful for a similar performance as they face Palace once again in the Premier League on Saturday.

Starting XI: Onana, Amrabat, Maguire, Mount, Martial, Garnacho, Casemiro, Varane, Dalot, Pellistri, Hannibal

Subs: Lindelof, Evans, Gore, Van de Beek

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