Manchester United have dropped points for the first time in 2023 as Crystal Palace snatched a point from the jaws of defeat at Selhurst Park.
Erik ten Hag’s men are chasing Arsenal at the top of the Premier League and it looked like they were going to record their 10th straight victory in all competitions but Michael Olise’s late free-kick ensured the points were shared.
It extends United’s unbeaten run but that will be of little comfort to Ten Hag, who will be even more upset after learning that Casemiro will miss this weekend’s trip to Arsenal following the Brazilian’s fifth booking of the season.
The yellow card came in the 80th minute when Wilfried Zaha was charging down on goal. Casemiro had very little else he could do but bring the Ivorian down.
“It was instinctive, he went for the ball, missed it and it was a dangerous situation. He wanted to stop it and that was his reaction,” Ten Hag said about the booking, according to BBC reporter Shamoon Hafez.
“Last time we beat Arsenal without Casemiro, now we have to do that same.”
One pre-match headline was Wout Weghorst’s debut for the club – the Dutchman’s arrival was only confirmed five days ago but he was thrown into the deep end against Patrick Vieira’s side.
Weghorst played for roughly 70 minutes before being withdrawn and after the game, Ten Hag praised the 30-year-old, arguing the lack of training may have made it difficult for him.
“Less training, no games, a couple of days here but he did quite well in all elements,” the manager said.
SN’s verdict…
The nature of the draw will hurt Ten Hag more than anything but the loss of Casemiro is huge. He has already become an incredibly vital player and United are reliant on him.
As Ten Hag mentions, United have already beaten Arsenal without him and although they will be hoping to do the same on Sunday, it’s going to be a completely different game.
Weghorst’s debut is one positive Ten Hag can take out of the game. The former Bundesliga star was not at his prolific best but that will come.
