‘Absolutely atrocious defending’ – Man United slammed over defensive errors as Crystal Palace take charge

Manchester United were blasted for their defending as Crystal Palace raced into a two-goal lead on Monday night.

Michael Olise, who has been linked with a move to United this summer, got the opener as he ran through the Red Devils side to score a brilliant opener for Palace at Selhurst Park in the opening exchanges.

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After receiving the ball from a throw-in, the 22-year-old was met by Casemiro in midfield.

However, with a slight feint of the hips, the Brazilian was left bamboozled when he leapt in to tackle only to be end up on the deck.

Olise did not waste a moment, racing toward goal but as no United player closed him down, urging him to shoot which he obliged, burying his effort into the corner past Andre Onana.

Palace then scored a second before half-time through Jean-Philippe Mateta, who dashed past Jonny Evans with ease before smashing his effort past Onana at his near post.

Speaking on talkSPORT, former Liverpool star Danny Murphy was critical of Evans, saying: “Jonny Evans’ tackle was horrendous and the goalkeeper, I don’t know what he’s doing…

“It’s bizarre defending from Evans. Decent strike but it can’t go in from there. And Evans, he’s an experienced player, you can’t just dangle a leg out.”

Murphy had earlier lambasted Casemiro for the opener, labelling his efforts: “Absolutely atrocious defending.”

He was not the only one, as United legend Rio Ferdinand responded on social media site X by posting: “Casemiro #StayOnYaFeet.”

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They were not the only ones shocked by the level of defending on show with United fans taking to social media to show their fury.

That included talkSPORT’s Mark Goldbridge, who wrote: “Casemiro thinks he’s on holiday. Absolutely shocking slide tackle on Casper the Ghost.”

Another replied: “Michael Olise has just ended Casemiro career. He’s done.”

And this fan said: “Casemiro is not the same player as we saw him last season. What happened to him?”

After the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Old Trafford as a minority shareholder, big changes are expected at the club including the players.

Casemiro, who has two years left on his contract, could be made available to make room for a younger midfielder with OGC Nice star Khephren Thuram linked.

Olise is also reportedly on the shopping list at United, who will not be alone in their pursuit of the former Reading ace, with Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham all linked.

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