Crystal Palace 0-0 Manchester United – Player Focus: Luke Shaw

Manchester United’s recent slump continued as they laboured to a 0-0 stalemate against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The draw leaves United 14 points behind leaders and rivals Manchester City before the two sides meet at the Etihad on Sunday.

United dominated possession in the first half but failed to create any meaningful chances, with Nemanja Matic going closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half when his deflected shot brought out a decent save from Palace ‘keeper Vicente Guaita. Palace grew into the game and had the better of the second half with Jordan Ayew, Christian Benteke and Patrick Van Aanholt being denied by the impressive Dean Henderson.

The pick of the bunch and the player in focus tonight is left back Luke Shaw, who stood out amongst an underwhelming performance from his teammates.  The Kingston-born full back provided United’s only attacking outlet on the left flank throughout the match as they struggled to break down Roy Hodgson’s resolute Palace.

The England International created a few half chances but struggled against Palace right back Joel Ward, who was excellent. Marcus Rashford met Shaw’s excellent low cross in the first half but fired wide to the left of Guaita’s post.

Shaw marshalled the lively Andros Townsend well as the Red Devils recorded their 10th clean sheet of the season.

His improvement going forward is there for all to see this season with the left back continuing to showcase his attacking development with an impressive six assists in 30 appearances in all competitions this season.

The exceptional performances this season surely have him as one of the main contenders for United’s player of the season and if he keeps up this form it won’t be long until he’s back in Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

READ MORE: Video: Solskjaer names Manchester United’s key problem in poor Crystal Palace draw

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