Report: Manchester United U21s concede five in wake-up call vs Crystal Palace | OneFootball

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Stretty News

·12 August 2022

Report: Manchester United U21s concede five in wake-up call vs Crystal Palace

Article image:Report: Manchester United U21s concede five in wake-up call vs Crystal Palace

Manchester United U21s suffered a 5-1 defeat against Crystal Palace tonight.

The young Reds started their home campaign for the season with this starting XI: Mee, Wellens, Fish (C), Hardley, Pye, Mainoo, Savage, Forson, Hansen, Mejia, Shoretire.

A few absentees noted in the line-up as this could mean first team involvement for some of the youngsters, who trained under Erik ten Hag this week.


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The game started horribly for United as they failed to clear a free kick which resulted in an early goal for the visitors. The lads were starting to respond well as they were pushing through Shoretire, however, they are struggling to make anything count. A few moments later, Wellens’ effort was fired over from the edge of the box. As noted from in the opening minutes, Mateo Mejia who was leading the line, was left isolated by the Crystal Palace defenders.

Mejia did however manage to get a good chance in the 30th minute. Shortly from that, Isak Hansen was caught on the ball and Palace made this chance count with Will Fish being beaten by his opponent easily. United were trying but nothing seemed to be going their way as Mejia had two chances. They had to wait for a goal until the end of the first half thanks to Charlie Savage. It was a fantastic finish.

Photos courtesy of @bennymufc

What followed next was horrific for United.

Apparently not everyone was notified that the second half had started… It was far too easy for Palace. Just minutes later, Mee went on an adventure when he had a basic cross to defend, but he dropped the ball and Palace took advantage of this moment to make it four.

A few minutes later, the visitors had another chance from a counter attack they had from United’s corner.

It has been a night all these players must not forget in the sense that lessons should be learnt from it.

Mark Dempsey and Paul McShane should start considering a change in formation as they opted for a 4-5-1 which isolated Mejia and collapsed the midfield as well. As I write these words, United have conceded another goal from a corner.

It is the right time we consider changes at this level. A wake-up call.

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