The South London Press’ player ratings from Old Trafford as Crystal Palace win 1-0 at Manchester United

Crystal Palace saw out an impressive 1-0 win at Manchester United on Saturday afternoon thanks to Joachim Andersen’s first-half strike.

Here are Edmund Brack’s player ratings from Old Trafford:

SAM JOHNSTONE – 7

Strong hand to palm Bruno Fernandes’ shot from distance over the bar in the second half.

And made another top save to deny Rasmus Hojlund minutes later.

Did the basics, once again, very well.

JOEL WARD – 7 

Was tasked with keeping Marcus Rahsford at bay, who was constantly looking to cut onto his right foot.

United brought on Alejandro Garnacho in the second half to attack the 33-year-old, and despite Ward being on a yellow card, he kept the United left-hand side fairly subdued.

Won four aerial battles.

JOACHIM ANDERSEN – 8

Excellent first-time shot to give Palace the lead in the 24th minute.

Passing range was excellent and made 10 clearances – the most of any Palace player.

A Rolls-Royce of a footballer.

MARC GUEHI – 8

Could have opened the scoring for Palace in the opening stages but directed Andersen’s cross back into the box just wide.

Also made eight clearances and a goal-saving block in the 91st minute to stop United from a certain equaliser.

TYRICK MITCHELL – 8

Excellent clearance off the line to hook Rasmus Hojlund’s shot off the line after the Norweigan striker poked an effort beyond Johnstone.

One of his best performances of the season.

CHEICK DOUCOURE – 7

Slow start to the game. Was caught in possession by Hojlund in the 17th minute. However, the summer signing blazed his effort over the bar.

Grew into the contest and helped keep the midfield compact.

WILL HUGHES – 8

Had to walk a tightrope for most of the game after picking up a yellow card in the 32nd minute, however, the former Watford man was immense during the 90 minutes.

Has come into the side with Jefferson Lerma’s absence and has performed admirably for Hodgson’s side.

EBERECHI EZE – 7

Registered the assist for Andersen’s opener. 

Could not get involved going forward as much as usual, due to the limited amount of possession and defending the lead, but was effective when on the ball.

Was sacrificed late on for Chris Richards to come on.

JEFFREY SCHLUPP – 6

Did his defensive job well, tracking runs of Facundo Pellistri and supporting Tyrick Mitchell.

Came off in the 76th minute for Jairo Riedewald.

JORDAN AYEW – 8

Won the ball back from Sofyan Amrabat to win Palace a clever free-kick in the ninth minute, which forced referee Chris Kavanagh to book Casemiro.

Gave Amrabat a nightmare throughout the game, using his Premier League experience to lure the midfielder-turned-defender into numerous clumsy challenges.

Ayew won multiple fouls to relieve pressure from the Palace defence.

JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA – 7

A thankless task of trying to keep the ball inside the United half whenever Palace cleared their lines. 

Was never truly presented with a clear sight of goal but worked tirelessly to win all three points.

SUBS

JAIRO RIEDEWALD – NA 

Coming on to allow a switch to a 4-4-2, with the Dutch versatile player slotting in at left midfield.

Did his job well and could have won a penalty when he chipped the ball into the hand of Amrabat. 

However, the referee waved play on.

CHRIS RICHARD – NA

Came on to see out the win in the 86th minute.