If there were any remaining questions about Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United, this should have allayed Sir Jim Ratcliffe's concerns. Even in the midst of a season where his squad has been wildly inconsistent, one of the most embarrassing nights of the Dutchman's reign was produced by a thrilling display from a Crystal Palace club motivated by Michael Olise's amazing feet.
After two goals from Olise—Jose Philippe Mateta's ninth goal in 11 games since Oliver Glasner took over—and another from Tyrick Mitchell, Palace defeated their opponents in the league for the first time ever in Premier League history, potentially jeopardizing United's chances of qualifying for Europe next season. Ten Hag's only solace was that, despite Odsonne Édouard's late header hitting the post, Palace was unable to equal their historic triumph over United in December 1972 with a fifth goal. As a point of reference, three days after that outcome, Frank O'Farrell, the manager, was fired.
Ten Hag has a huge work ahead of him to cheer up his team after this heartbreaking loss in south London, but he should at least make it until the rest of the season. With four wins in their previous five games under Glasner, Palace appears to be a squad that is eager for the season to conclude. Olise was the star of the show, but Gareth Southgate, who was watching from the terraces at his old club, would have been impressed with Eberechi Eze and happy to see Marc Guéhi return as a substitute in an attempt to prove he is fit for the Euros after missing three months.
The former forward for Reading is still eligible to play for England, but he has chosen to play for France Under-21s. Given that he has now contributed directly to 13 goals in his last nine games here, the 22-year-old will undoubtedly be taken into account should he decide to change his mind.
Due to the length of United's injury list, two of the substitutes were goalkeepers and four of them had never played for the senior team. Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire were out. Referee Jarred Gillett created history by donning a head-mounted RefCam; video of the event will be aired later. Following a challenge from Jonny Evans, Mitchell called for a penalty, but Gillett denied it.
But soon after, Palace managed to breach United's weak defense as the old mistakes reappeared. After receiving a throw-in from Daniel Muñoz, Olise displayed incredible talent, leaving Casemiro sprawled in the center circle. The forward then raced away and expertly blasted past André Onana from the edge of the penalty area. Ten Hag said, "Professionals shouldn't allow this." The incident has occurred before this season.
After being set up by Muñoz once more, the explosive Olise shot directly at Onana, and if Mateta hadn't stopped it, he could have scored three goals in the first twenty-three minutes. Gillett's decision to rule that Rasmus Højlund had obstructed former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson as he jumped for the ball ended the visitors' chances of a swift equalizer.
United had good fortune. Olise was clean through on goal, but Kobbie Mainoo slipped and Olise was unable to take advantage of it. Then, under pressure from Mateta, Onana nearly lost control while attempting to clear, and the home crowd cheered as he cut the ball out of play. However, United's good fortune was short-lived, as Ten Hag watched helplessly as Chris Richards fed Mateta after regaining control. The prolific striker easily outran Evans and hammered the ball into the net.
When Nathaniel Clyne's cross was volleyed straight at Onana by Eze, Palace maintained their lead against United despite United's players being sent out into the rain early in the second half. After his header rebounded off a post, Casemiro thought he had given the game a chance, but the referee called him offside by nearly a meter.
That only served to incite Palace, as Olise's amazing backheel between Casemiro's legs set up Eze to curl just wide before Onana denied Mitchell and then Will Hughes. United was obviously the better team, and Joachim Andersen's exquisite cross from Adam Wharton set up Mitchell for a close-range tap-in goal. Ten Hag responded by substituting Sofyan Amrabat for Antony in an effort to maintain a respectable score. However, only Casemiro will understand why he gave Muñoz the chance to steal the ball close to the byline, allowing Olise to score a fourth goal.
The suffering of United's defenders for the evening came to an end with the double substitution of Olise and Eze to a standing ovation.To their credit, the away supporters kept singing until the bitter end but it remains to be seen if their manager can survive beyond this campaign.
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