30 September 2023 , 18:28
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Erik ten Hag refused to blame his stars - as Manchester United made their worst start to a league season in 34 years after the first seven games with defeat to Crystal Palace.
Danish defender Joachim Andersen won the game for Roy Hodgson’s side with a stunning 26th minute volley as United drew a blank on Saturday afternoon. It was their second successive defeat at home, with United's attack failing to fire.
Rasmus Hojlund had a shot cleared off the line, but Andersen's volley proved to be the difference. United were unable to find a way through the Palace defence, with keeper Sam Johnstone in fine form.
The Red Devils now drop to 10th in the Premier League table after their fourth defeat in seven top-flight games. Despite that disappointment, boss Ten Hag defenders his players' efforts.
Ten Hag said: “I can’t blame the players, they gave everything. But in the final part in both boxes we didn’t do well. We had many chances but the decision making wasn’t good enough.
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"We were in control but we have to be sharper, more clinical and determined if we want to score. I understand the boos. The demand is for United to win against Crystal Palace at home and away. We have to do better.
"Of course it's frustrating. If you are there in the positions when you want to come, in that moment, the form on the day is not there to score a goal. We were, many times, close and then you have to be clinical, concentrated and be sharp. We have the abilities to score a goal.
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The United players were booed off following the defeat (Alex Livesey/Getty Images)"Always, we learn from the game. We learn we are to do better in the final part of the game. The first goal is very important, if you concede it, you still have to win. You have to find a way to win and we didn't, so we have to blame ourselves.
"It's a bad start. We have to catch up and do better. This is not good enough. Of course, it's frustrating for everyone, especially the fans. It's frustrating but for us, as well, the players and for me. We have to stay together, fight together and get better and make sure we get improvement."
Palace boss Hodgson, 76, became only the second manager after Pep Guardiola to mastermind three successive wins against United at Old Trafford. He said: “I am happy about that record, but what I am most happy about is the way the team played and so pleased for the players.
“It wasn’t easy to come here for the second time in a few days and give that performance and work so hard for 90 minutes. This time we put their players under a lot more pressure and they were finding it harder to hit the passes.
"As a result, it was easier for our defenders to defend the box. The way the players went about the game today is really praise worthy and has given me enormous pleasure. They have to be so disciplined and so organised.
"Joachim Andersen is a wonderful technician. It was only a half chance. He had to quickly get his feet right and have the confidence to put his foot through the ball. I'm trying to push him forward for goal of the week!"