The decisive goal of the game came from Odsonne Edouard, after Jordan Ayew found space on the right to fire in a cross that the striker turned past Wes Foderingham. Palace also had two goals ruled out for offside while 20-year-old Will Osula, on his Premier League debut, went close earlier with a curling effort that was just deflected wide.
Boss Paul Heckingbottom named four academy players on his bench as the reality of United’s strength in depth was laid bare, against a side packed with Premier League quality players led by Eberechi Eze. Here’s how we rated United’s players on the day...
5. Jack Robinson 5
Had to get across smartly to block Edouard’s shot after Eze got the better of Egan in a quick Palace break, and did so superbly. On first viewing may have done more to cut out Ayew’s cross for Palace’s opener but appeared caught in two minds as to whether to try and cut it out and perhaps risk deflecting it past Foderingham, as it fizzed past him at an incredibly awkward height and at such pace
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6. Max Lowe 5
Often found himself in uncomfortable defensive situations because of Palace’s pace on the break but to his credit won his fair share of them, helping to keep the visitors’ first-half onslaught at bay. Had an amusing touchline flashpoint with Roy Hodgson when Lowe went to get the ball, an angry Hodgson took exception and Lowe just laughed as he jogged away. Later went down with an injury issue and made way for Larouci
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7. Ollie Norwood 5
Used the ball intelligently when United won it back in midfield and forced a first save from Sam Johnstone late in the first half with a shot from distance. Looked to transition the ball quickly when he got it but then Traore and Osula were too isolated up top. Had a late effort on the volley but couldn’t keep it down as United looked for a dramatic equaliser | Getty Images
8. Chris Basham 5
A surprise selection in midfield in the eyes of some but the veteran undoubtedly helped to shore United up through the middle against the multiple threats Palace posed. The nature of United’s midfield meant that there wasn’t a great deal of creativity there leaving Traore and Osula often isolated when the ball did break United’s way
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