Football news 2022: Manchester United defeats Crystal Palace 3-1 at MCG

A huge crowd has packed the MCG to watch world football giants Manchester United play Crystal Palace, though one Red Devil may have enjoyed it less than his teammates.

Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew and United’s Fred get physical. Picture: AFP

Manchester United rolled out onto the MCG for the second time in less than a week and gave their fans plenty to be excited about ahead of the upcoming season, as the world football giants made light work of fellow Premier League outfit Crystal Palace to end the Melbourne leg of their pre-season tour.

In-front of yet another boisterous crowd, United turned it up a notch, playing with a newly instilled swagger under new boss Erik ten Hag as the Red Devils made it three wins from three under his tutelage.

While it’s easy to get carried away with pre-season form, United were a lot sharper, silkier and fluid on the ball and the large majority of the 76,499 in attendance ate up every moment of it – with over 150,000 fans piling through the gates between Tuesday evening’s clash and the meeting with Melbourne Victory last Friday.

Each of the goals in their 3-1 win were exquisite, as they worked their way through the Palace defenders with relative ease and showcasing the foundations of the philosophy ten Hag implemented to aplomb at Ajax.

United’s Jadon Sancho Diogo Dalot celebrate a goal on the MCG. Picture: AFP

Those who bought a ticket to see United were certainly given their money’s worth for the second time in less than a week, as ten Hag wheeled out yet another strong line-up from the onset with the outlook towards the season opener in less than three weeks.

After missing the clash with Melbourne Victory, the highly popular keeper David de Gea returned to the side while after coming on and scoring on Friday, Marcus Rashford was given the start and hit the back of the net yet again.

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The English forward was joined by Anthony Martial, who made it three goals from three this pre-season, and Jadon Sancho on the scoresheet before Palace defender Joel Ward nodded home a consolation, but unfortunately for young United defender William Fish his rare opportunity ended with him being sent off in the dying minutes.

Palace fans, meanwhile, who saw their heroes in the flesh for the first time down under weren’t so lucky with the London side having a far from full strength side at their disposal, as a number of key individuals including last season’s top goalscorer Wilfried Zaha and England international Marc Guehi not making the trip.

Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew and United’s Fred get physical. Picture: AFP

While the result ostensibly means nothing heading into the season, Patrick Vieira’s side had some moments throughout the game, with youngster Malcolm Ebiowei particularly impressing, but were ultimately outclassed by a far superior United outfit.

Palace will finish their maiden Aussie venture in Perth when they take on Leeds on Friday, and will be joined by Manchester who end their tour down under against Aston Villa the following evening.

United’s Will Fish saw red. Picture: AFP

MAGUIRE’S FROSTY RECEPTION

There wouldn’t have been many people who would’ve foresaw Harry Maguire being booed on Tuesday evening.

While basically all the United players were met with universal adoration throughout the game, Maguire was forced to win over United’s passionate Aussie faithful who peculiarly booed him each time he touched the ball inside the early stages of the contest on Tuesday evening.

The jeers, however, did peter out as the first-half wore on. In fact, by the end of the half, the English international was met with an overtly positive reaction when he came close to opening the scoring.

NO RONALDO, NO WORRIES?

With Cristiano Ronaldo still missing due to a leave of absence, an opportunity has opened up at the top of United’s attack throughout their pre-season tour and Anthony Martial is making the most of his second chance at the club.

Martial, who was out of favour under previous boss Ralf Rangnick and loaned to Spanish side Sevilla for the back half of last season, has since returned to the United fold under ten Hag and made it three goals from three games this pre-season with a tidy finish at the back-post along with playing a role in United’s second.

Throughout his 60 minutes on the pitch, the French forward cut a rejuvenated figure and looked to be relishing the chance to play in a new system after a tough couple of seasons prior to his temporary departure. Now, there’s every reason to believe he will start the season opener against Brighton, even if Ronaldo does return to the fold in time.

Originally published as Football news 2022: Manchester United defeats Crystal Palace 3-1 at MCG