Manchester United are in danger of missing out on Europe next season after a humiliating 4-0 defeat at Crystal Palace, which dropped them to ninth place in the Premier League.
Michael Olise scored twice, alongside goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell, as the Eagles’ rise since Oliver Glasner’s appointment as manager continued.
Erik ten Hag’s failure to prevent a slump in his second season in charge may signal the end of his tenure at Old Trafford.
“I will keep fighting, and I prepared the team as best I could. It was not good enough, by any means, and I must accept responsibility for it,” Ten Hag added.
United has only been out of European competition once since the 1989-1990 season.
That followed a seventh-place result in David Moyes’ only season ten years ago, and the Scot was fired with four games remaining.
United have never finished worse than eighth in the Premier League era, but they face that possibility on Sunday when title-chasing Arsenal visit Old Trafford.
Ten Hag has frequently used injury issues as an explanation for his team’s failures.
The Dutchman was forced to form a makeshift backline with Casemiro filling in at centre-back alongside 36-year-old Jonny Evans.
- Lack of fight –
Captain Bruno Fernandes was also absent, ending his impressive record of never missing a club game due to injury.
“We’ve had a lot of injuries this season,” Ten Hag remarked. “This is our fourth defeat in 2024, which isn’t a lot, and each time we had major issues. We sorted it out many times before, but not today.”
However, there was no excuse for United’s lack of fight and quality, as their only Premier League win in the last seven games came against relegated Sheffield United.
Palace are unbeaten in their previous five games as former Eintracht Frankfurt manager Glasner’s project takes shape.
“First half we didn’t play as well as we could but we were very efficient,” Glasner stated.
“At halftime, we made adjustments, and the second half was far better. Much improved game control, more opportunities generated, and great goals scored.”
The south London club will have to stave off interest in Olise and Eberechi Eze if they are to continue their success under the Austrian next season.
Olise has piqued the curiosity of United, Manchester City, and Chelsea, and he demonstrated why as he slipped through the visitors’ defence before hitting low past Andre Onana.
United failed to register a single attempt on target in the first half, but were unlucky not to level against the run of play.
Rasmus Hojlund collided with Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson and was severely punished for a shove, allowing Casemiro to score with a looping header.
However, Palace’s two-goal halftime advantage was the least they deserved given their domination.
Mateta has been transformed by Glasner, and he scored his ninth goal in 11 games after easily passing the leaden-footed Evans.
There was no response from United after the break, which could be the final straw for the club’s new leadership group in deciding Ten Hag’s fate.
Mitchell scored a rare strike from close range as United were exposed from a set piece.
Onana was then taken off guard by Olise’s powerful blow, which sailed past the Cameroonian.
The defeat reduced United’s goal difference to -3, indicating a disappointing season for the 20-time English champions.
Ten Hag has one more chance at atonement in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, assuming he survives in command until May 25.
However, based on this information, United fans will be concerned that double-chasing City will run amok at Wembley Stadium, inflicting the ultimate humiliation.
