Manchester United, who had recently shown signs of improvement, found themselves once again grappling with frustration as they were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Crystal Palace on Saturday night. The result is likely to push Erik ten Hag into rethinking his squad selection, as the team’s inconsistencies continue to hamper their progress this season.
The fans’ patience had already been tested following a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of their arch-rivals Liverpool just before the international break. While United had delivered promising results with a league victory over Southampton and a strong performance in the EFL Cup against Barnsley, both of which hinted at a possible resurgence, their uninspiring display against Palace highlights that there remains much to be addressed if they hope to secure a top-four finish.
Although Manchester United dominated possession and created more chances, a significant portion of the supporters’ frustration was directed at one key player – Bruno Fernandes. Once heralded for his creativity and leadership, Fernandes found himself under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. His inability to influence the game effectively has sparked questions about his form, leaving Ten Hag with the unenviable task of deciding whether to stick with him or explore alternatives.
Fernandes, who had recently signed a long-term contract with United, endured a particularly difficult evening at Selhurst Park. His performance not only reflected his ongoing struggles this season but also amplified concerns about his consistency. Having been appointed captain, much was expected from the Portuguese playmaker, but his showing against Palace epitomized the dip in form that has plagued him in recent matches.
According to statistics from Sofascore, Fernandes lost possession a staggering 34 times during his 94 minutes on the pitch. This figure was significantly higher than that of any of his teammates, with Amad Diallo coming in second with 19 turnovers. Such carelessness in possession raised alarms, as United’s inability to capitalize on their control of the game could be traced back to these unnecessary mistakes. Fernandes’ struggles were further compounded when he had a chance to make amends with a late free kick, only to see it easily dealt with by the Palace defense. His passing accuracy was also a major point of concern, registering at a mere 72% – the lowest of any player on the field.
The ongoing dip in Fernandes’ form has sparked widespread criticism from the fanbase, many of whom have questioned his leadership and influence on the team. His lackluster performance was not an isolated incident, as similar concerns were raised during United’s humiliating 3-0 loss to Liverpool. With crucial fixtures on the horizon and the team’s aspirations for a top-four finish hanging in the balance, Ten Hag may have no choice but to reassess Fernandes’ role within the squad.
Ultimately, Erik ten Hag is facing a tough decision. Does he continue to trust Fernandes, hoping that his form will return, or does he shake up his midfield in search of a more dynamic and reliable option? The pressure is mounting, and with the team’s ambitions at stake, the manager’s next move could prove decisive in determining whether Manchester United can regain their momentum and push for Champions League qualification.