Crystal Palace 0 Manchester United 0 – Eagles unlucky not to earn first home league win over Red Devils since 1991

BY SAM SMITH

Crystal Palace failed to make the most of their superior chances as they drew 0-0 with Manchester United.

Roy Hodgson’s side missed several opportunities to earn a first home league win over the Red Devils since 1991 – although this result means they have gone unbeaten against the Old Trafford outfit this season.

The Eagles started well. Andros Townsend’s dangerous free kick from a deep position evaded everyone when only a touch was required to turn the ball into the net. The Palace winger then crossed for Benteke but the Belgian struck well over the bar.

Vicente Guaita made an excellent save at fell stretch to deny Nemanja Matic’s deflected goal-bound effort. Edinson Cavani stabbed over the crossbar at the resultant corner.

Palace’s attacking forays were improved on recent matches, although their failure to register a shot on target in the first half meant they had gone 135 minutes since testing a goalkeeper. That run was ended on 140 minutes when Jordan Ayew tested Dean Henderson early in the second half.

Cavani was nearly on the end of a cross by the former Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka slightly prior to half-time, only for Joel Ward to slide in and clear.

Had Palace shown some ruthlessness, they might have won this game. Benteke acrobatically volleyed over before completely miscuing Ayew’s cross.

Townsend struck just wide after Luka Milivojevic’s free kick had struck the Manchester United wall.

The South Londoners defended well and limited the visitors to few opportunities. A rare chance presented to Mason Greenwood saw him cut inside and curl just over the bar. Luke Shaw lashed well wide as the clocked ticked closer to added-time.

The draw moves Palace onto 34 points.