Four takeaways from Crystal Palace’s 0-1 loss to Manchester United

A Fred strike in the 77th minute from the edge of the box saw Crystal Palace record their third straight Premier League defeat and are now winless in their last four.

Patrick Vieira brought Nathaniel Clyne and Christian Benteke into the starting line up for Joel Ward, who was suspended, and Odsonne Edouard.

Here are Edmund Brack’s four takeaways from the match:

MISSED OPPORTUNITY CONDEMNS PALACE TO ANOTHER DEFEAT

In a similar story to Christian Benteke’s header against Leeds in midweek, which he planted wide from six yards out, Jordan Ayew left the Eagles to rue missed chances once again at Old Trafford on Sunday.

After resisting United’s constant pressure for over 70 minutes, the Eagles had their first real chance of the afternoon when Tyrick Mitchell whipped a tantalising corner towards the back post.

Landing at the feet of Ayew, his underlying lack of confidence overrode his clinical instinct and saw the 30-year-old miss the opportunity that was begging to be tucked away.

United would go on to take the lead three minutes later through Fred, leaving Palace to ponder what might have been had Ayew taken his chance.

Ayew has only scored one goal in his previous 47 Crystal Palace appearances.

A CAUTIOUS START FROM PALACE AS GUEHI AND TOMKINS STAY RESOLUTE

Perhaps Patrick Vieira set up his team to ensure that Ralf Rangnick’s side didn’t use their new-manager bounce to sweep the Eagles away, as the South Londoners defended for their lives during the first half.

With Clyne’s rustiness evident, starting his last game in professional football in February, United bombarded his right-hand side – Alex Telles, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford driving towards the returning academy graduate at any opportunity.

Following his excellent 90 minutes against Leeds United and his impressive first 45 minutes at Old Trafford, James Tomkins has shown he can still produce assured performances at Premier League level.

Forming a partnership alongside Marc Guehi at the back, the duo made eight clearances, completed five blocks and won five aerial battles to keep their first-half clean sheet intact.

SCHLUPP STRUGGLES AND UNBALANCED MIDFIELD 

Patrick Vieira is still tinkering with his trio in the middle to find a perfect balance without James McArthur. And at Old Trafford on Sunday, Palace lacked a dominance and imposing nature to keep hold of the ball in the centre of the pitch.

Jeffrey Schlupp looked sluggish – perhaps he was still recovering after starting his first game on Tuesday night since the 0-0 draw with Brentford early on in the season.

The 26-year-old had the fewest touches of any player who featured over 75 minutes, lost possession twice, and only completed one more pass than Christian Benteke, who came off in the 67th minute.

Schlupp also failed to register a tackle in the 90 minutes.

Conor Gallagher barely ventured forward – cutting out Palace’s biggest threat in the final third from the beginning of the season – due to the lack of energy alongside him.

Without McArthur, Gallagher is forced to drop deeper into his own half and unable to create or provide attacking returns.

PALACE LACKING CONSISTENCY WITH IMPORTANT SET OF FIXTURES COMING UP

The level of consistency in Palace’s play was breathtaking before the international break. But, in the last four games, there has been a lack of ruthless and relentless conviction to their game.

Vieira’s side have only managed three shots on target in the previous 120 minutes of football, with the understanding and cohesion of the forward players drastically dwindling.

There is no shame in losing to a Manchester United side overflowing with superstars and riding the confident wave of a newly appointed manager. However, Vieira’s side were never entirely in Sunday’s game and missed a competitive nature that they had in abundance during their last trip to Manchester.

With three games coming up for Palace against Everton, Southampton and Watford – all underneath the Eagles in the Premier League table – it will be crucial to rediscover their confidence going forward and attempt to create some distance between themselves and the bottom quarter of the table.