Leading
“We were 1-0 up. In the second half we had a lot of space to kill them and go for the second. I never saw we really went for the second goal," United manager
Ten Hag's frustration was evident after a result that changes the narrative going into the game against Arsenal.
Now, instead of being able to cut the Londoners' lead to three points, defeat would leave United 11 points adrift having played a game more.
Ten Hag has so far talked down United's unlikely title challenge, but the improvement in his team has been evident on the back of nine straight wins before Palace, including a 2-1 victory against second-place
United remains the only team to have beaten Arsenal in the league this season and a repeat performance at the
It still could be, but the draw with Palace will feel like a missed opportunity after
United moved up from fourth to third in the league — level on points with
While Ten Hag and his United players were left frustrated,
As if a trip to high-flying Arsenal on Sunday isn't daunting enough, United will be without one of its most influential players.
Casemiro picked up a fifth yellow card of the season against Palace, meaning the midfielder will be suspended for Sunday's game.
“He’s a really important player for us and a reason we’re in this position. But last time we beat Arsenal without Casemiro. We need to do it again," said Ten Hag.
Casemiro has been one of United's best players this season, losing just two of the 18 games he's started since joining from
FIRST PREMIER LEAGUE START
American defender
The 5-2 victory against second-tier
It took a 90th-minute goal from
“I felt very strongly before the game that we were ready for a strong performance. I told the team that. This was obviously an important moment for us, but it’s just another moment in the development we’re trying to create,"
“An important moment to gather momentum, but hard to say validation because we still have so much to do.”
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