'Absolutely atrocious defending': Man United criticized for defensive errors as Crystal Palace take charge
Manchester United were criticized for their defending as Crystal Palace took a two-goal lead on Monday night.
Michael Olise, who has been linked with a move to United this summer, he scored the first goal as he ran through the Red Devils team to score a brilliant opening goal for Palace at Selhurst Park in the opening exchanges.
After receiving the ball from a throw-in, the 22-year-old was met by Casemiro in the center of the field.
However, with a slight movement of his hip, the Brazilian was disoriented when he jumped to tackle and ended up on the ground.
Olise didn't waste a moment and raced towards goal, but like no United player he closed it down, urging him to shoot, which he obliged, burying his effort into the corner past Andre Onana.
Palace then scored a second before the break through Jean-Philippe Mateta, who beat Jonny Evans with ease before slotting past Onana at his near post.
Speaking on talkSPORT, former Liverpool star Danny Murphy criticized Evans and said: “Jonny Evans' tackle was horrendous and the goalkeeper, I don't know what he's doing…
“It's strange defending Evans. Decent shot, but he can't get in from there. And Evans, he's an experienced player, you can't just stick a leg out.”
Murphy had previously criticized Casemiro in the opener, calling his efforts “absolutely atrocious defending.”
He wasn't the only one, as United legend Rio Ferdinand responded on social media site X by posting: “Casemiro #StayOnYaFeet.”
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They weren't the only ones surprised by the level of defending on display, 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. An absolutely stunning tackle against Casper the Phantom.”
Another responded: “Michael Olise just ended Casemiro's career. That's it.”
And this fan said: “Casemiro is not the same player we saw last season. What happened to him?”
Following 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 available to make room for a younger midfielder with OGC Nice star Khephren Thuram linked.
Olise is also reportedly on United's shopping list, who will not be alone in their pursuit of the former Reading ace as Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham are all linked.
