“We ate them alive” – ​​Ten Hag’s surprising reaction to Man Utd’s goalless draw against Palace

Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United ‘ate Crystal Palace alive’ in the first half of Saturday’s 0-0 draw, but he laments his players’ lack of clinical skills.

The Red Devils headed to Selhurst Park in need of points after an inconsistent start to the 2024/25 season.

And in all fairness, United produced a lively first half, with nine shots and 1.40 xG compared to just two and 0.20 respectively from Palace. Both Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes hit the woodwork and, in fairness, Ten Hag’s men should have gone into half-time with a lead.

“If we don’t win, I’m not happy. We should have won,” Ten Hag said after the match (via BBC Sport).

“I think we ate them alive in the first half. In the second half it was more balanced, but in the first half we should have scored one or two goals.”

Ten Hag laments Man Utd’s lack of sharpness as Onana performs heroics

As Ten Hag pointed out, it was a different story in the second half. Palace outscored United 7-6, generating 0.87 xG to United’s 0.24. Andre Onana was forced into a stunning double save to deny Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr.

Andre Onana keeps the score level with a ridiculous double save ?? photo.twitter.com/HDWexFk17i

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 21, 2024

“They closed off the midfield more and had some good counter-attacks, so it was more difficult,” Ten Hag noted about the second 45 minutes.

“The first place we get through and the other side is they got more space and had some good counters. I think it was a brilliant save from Andre Onana twice in one action, it was really brilliant.”

But ultimately United should have stayed out of sight and done enough to take all three points, barring the most important point: the opposition penalty area.

The lack of sharpness in front of goal was a source of frustration for Ten Hag.

“We played very well. Complete control of the game. In and out of possession, I think we played very well,” he said, adding: “The only thing was in the penalty area, that’s where the game is always decided. We should be more clinical there.”

Man Utd’s next match is a Europa League match against FC Twente on Wednesday evening.

Top photo by Peter Nicholls/Getty Images