Five things learned vs Crystal Palace as Man United only have one positive

Look, however much you guys disliked that, I sat through it and now I’m having to write about it.

Manchester United were totally embarrassed 4-0 away to Crystal Palace, with United target Michael Olise scoring twice and generally just playing around with United as he willed.

Here are five things we learnt from the embarrassment in South London:

#1: Michael Olise is very good

I’ll at least give you guys something positive to start with, if it’s true that Michael Olise is a priority target for Manchester United, then INEOS are looking in good places.

The French forward scored two sensational goals and absolutely mocked United’s side for 90 minutes throughout the game. Granted, his opposition was not exactly very good, but he has been showcasing his qualities for a few years now. It also begs the question as to why Antony was ever even looked at when United needed a right winger.

#2: The Wan-Bissaka left-back experiment has to end

In recent weeks, Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been used as a makeshift left-back as United have not had a senior left-back available, and bar one performance, it has just not worked even slightly.

Wan-Bissaka’s angles at which he plays the game and his great reliance on his stronger right side make him struggle significantly on the left side, and this significantly hinders United’s dynamics both in and out of possession. Dalot has performed as a left-back before; it just makes sense to switch them.

#3: United’s technical level is far too low

When Manchester United had possession of the ball, it looked like Sunday League with the number of bobbles, bounces, dodgy touches, and misplaced passes.

Ten Hag’s structure and general poor tactics during the season have not helped, but a better manager does not suddenly make this team a title contender. At Manchester United, these fundamentals of football should never be issues, and the squad must see a significant amount of change.

#4: Play the kids

Look, there’s nothing to play for in the league now. The best thing United can do is to give academy kids opportunities to play senior football.

For the first-team squad, the games mean nothing. For the kids, it’s an opportunity to make themselves known to the higher-ups. They have not been utilised or given enough development opportunities in recent weeks, and there are many talented players with bright futures at United. There’s nothing to lose now by letting them play in the closing weeks.

#5: The players are trying, but there’s a lack of proactivity

I believe it’s disingenuous to suggest the players are not trying, they have run their socks off this season and it’s evident in how physically tired the squad looks now, particularly with players dropping like flies to injury.

But they do lack proactivity. Too often, in and out of possession, players are caught on their heels which allows the opposition to pounce on them and exploit the spaces which open up as a result. Before the opening goal, Ten Hag was shown on the broadcast ushering Jonny Evans to step forward before Michael Olise dropped Casemiro and walked into a chasm of space. It is one of the biggest issues this team faces as of right now.