Roy Hodgson has highlighted one Manchester United player’s position that aided Crystal Palace’s 1-0 victory.
The Red Devils sustained their fourth loss of the campaign to round off their first start to a season in 34 years. A lack of passion, creativity, threat or dominance saw United fall to a 1-0 loss just four days on from a convincing 3-0 win against the same side.
When reflecting on his team’s performance, Hodgson gave his verdict on how Erik ten Hag’s tactics may have impacted the game in Palace’s favour.
He said via the club website: “The shape from the start and the pressurising from the start, as opposed to the other night – which was a totally different team to be fair – I thought we put players under a lot more pressure on the ball.
“Casemiro dropped deep and they were finding it harder to hit the passes they were hitting against us on Tuesday, and as a result, it was easier for our defenders.”
The midfielder, despite being a stalwart across last season, has been criticised for his performances as of late. Whether or not he’ll be dropped from the starting line-up as a result remains to be seen.
United must find form
Next up for the Reds is a return to Champions League action – and a chance to get back on track – against Galatasaray on Tuesday evening. They will then take on Brentford again at Old Trafford on Saturday, with each game absolutely crucial now in building the morale and atmosphere around the club.