Manchester United and Crystal Palace played out a 0-0 draw at Selhurst Park, with goalkeepers Andre Onana and Dean Henderson delivering standout performances to keep the game scoreless.
United controlled much of the first half and had some huge chances, with strikes from Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho both rattling the crossbar.
However, the Reds were unable to break the deadlock, as Dean Henderson, facing his former club, made several crucial saves to keep Palace in the game.
Despite United's dominance, Palace had their chances, particularly in the second half. Onana's spectacular double save denied Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr to keep the game on level terms.
The result will feel like two points dropped for Ten Hag’s side, who will feel frustrated by their inability to convert several promising chances into goals. Meanwhile, the result means Oliver Glasner’s side remain winless in the Premier League this season.
Here are the key takeaways from the game.
United's struggles in front of goal continue
After putting three past Southampton last weekend and thrashing Barnsley 7-0 in midweek, there was optimism that United had moved past their attacking woes.
However, against Crystal Palace, they once again lacked a cutting edge in front of goal, an issue that has persisted since last season and resurfaced in several matches this campaign. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple opportunities, they lacked the clinical finishing needed to break the deadlock.
United's most promising opportunity arose in the first half when both Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho's efforts struck the crossbar in the same passage of play - just one of several instances where United failed to convert key chances into goals.
Statistics show that Ten Hag's side has missed more big chances in the Premier League than any other team this season, with 17 missed opportunities - well ahead of Aston Villa, who have the second-highest total with 12. This will be a huge area of concern for United, who will need to find firepower in front of goal if they are going to improve on last season's embarrassing eighth-place Premier League finish.
United fans will be hoping that the return of Rasmus Højlund, who returned from injury to feature off the bench, could provide the Reds a much-needed spark in front of goal as he returns to full fitness in the games ahead.
The Dane netted 16 goals in his first season for the Reds and will be looking to build on that tally this season.
United look stable defensively
On a more positive note for Ten Hag's side, United's defence held firm, with Onana making a crucial double save to secure a clean sheet.
The Cameroonian goalkeeper, now in his second season at Old Trafford, has made a strong start to the campaign, delivering several excellent stops that have contributed to four clean sheets in six games for the Reds.
In addition to Onana’s heroics, United's entire backline has demonstrated a significant improvement this season. The performance against Palace highlighted the significant improvement in United's defensive solidity, an essential foundation for any successful Premier League campaign.
United's defence appears much more compact this season, having been bolstered by the signings of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
De Ligt has formed an impressive centre-back partnership with his former Ajax teammate Lisandro Martinez since joining the club.
Against Palace, De Ligt's height was crucial at both ends of the pitch, while the typically tenacious Martinez effectively dealt with the powerful Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Red Devils' defence limited Palace to just one shot on goal in the first half.
Ten Hag's side have also been significantly more effective in pressing their opponents—an area where they struggled last season.
United's newfound defensive stability enables the team to build from the back, creating a robust foundation for their attacking play. By maintaining a solid defensive structure, United have been better able to control matches, as evidenced by Ten Hag's side enjoying a 67% possession share against the Eagles.
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Christian Eriksen can still be an important player for the Reds
Christian Eriksen carried the momentum from his impressive brace against Barnsley in midweek and continued to dictate play for United today. His ability to progress the ball and deliver incisive passes made United look dangerous in attack, leading to a flurry of goalscoring opportunities.
The Dane's patience, class, and keen eye for a pass were evident in the early stages of the match, and he could have easily notched a couple of assists if his teammates had been more clinical.
Early in the second half, he delivered a pinpoint ball to Amad, who failed to bring it under control.
When the 32-year-old left the pitch midway through the second half, United retained possession but became noticeably less incisive. The quick one-twos and fluid combination play faded, as Ten Hag’s side reverted to longer balls and less fluid attacking play.
Eriksen's influence of late may come as a surprise to some fans after the midfielder was linked with a departure during the summer transfer window. However, his ongoing influence on the team's style of play has become increasingly clear, and he has become a key player in the way United want to play in possession.
Noussair Mazraoui could be one of the signings of the season
Mazraoui has quickly established himself as a standout performer for United since joining the Reds this summer, showcasing qualities that could make him one of the signings of the season.
The Moroccan's integration into the squad has been remarkably smooth, highlighted by his impressive display against Crystal Palace. Mazraoui demonstrated not only his defensive prowess but also his ability to contribute significantly to attacks against Glasner's side.
With his pace and technical skill, Mazraoui frequently pushed forward to create width, providing support to his teammates in the final third.
His intelligent positioning allowed him to make overlapping runs, which stretched the Palace defence and opened up space for others. Moreover, his willingness to engage in pressing added an extra layer of dynamism to United's play, helping to disrupt Palace’s rhythm.
Mazraoui's composure on the ball and sharp passing ability also enabled him to link up effectively with midfielders and forwards alike.
If the defender can continue to perform at this level, he could emerge as a transformative figure for United this season.
