Manager Praises Onana’s Heroics but Calls for More Clinical Finishing from His Side
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed frustration over his team’s inability to convert chances into goals during their 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday evening. Despite dominating the first half, the Red Devils were unable to break the deadlock, with Palace’s former United goalkeeper Dean Henderson putting on an outstanding performance, making seven crucial saves.
Ten Hag described his team’s first-half display as “eating them alive,” but lamented their lack of a cutting edge in front of goal. United had multiple opportunities to score, including two attempts that hit the crossbar, but ultimately failed to find the net.
“First half, we ate them alive,” Ten Hag said post-match. “We should have scored one or two goals by halftime. It’s frustrating because we deserved to win. We had so many chances, but we weren’t clinical enough.”
Manchester United’s goalkeeper, Andre Onana, also had a standout performance, making a stunning double save in the second half to deny Crystal Palace’s Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr. Onana, who kept his fourth clean sheet of the season, echoed his manager’s sentiments, praising his teammates’ effort while expressing disappointment at not securing the win.
“We were the better team,” Onana said. “We had more chances than them, but it’s difficult to be satisfied with just a point when we deserved more. It’s always nice to keep a clean sheet, but the most important thing is to win, especially for a club like Manchester United.”
Onana also acknowledged the challenge posed by his predecessor, Dean Henderson, who thwarted United’s efforts throughout the match. “Dean was fantastic today,” he admitted. “He made some crucial saves. It was tough to break him down, but we need to be more clinical.”
Ten Hag highlighted the need for his team to improve their finishing if they are to compete at the highest level. “We have to be more ruthless in front of goal,” he said. “It’s not enough to create chances; we need to convert them. We have to take the breath out of our opponents, not just with our pressing but also by putting the ball in the net.”
With the draw, Manchester United remain in fourth place in the Premier League, trailing leaders Manchester City by four points. They will look to bounce back in their next match against Bournemouth. Ten Hag hopes his team will build on their strong defensive performance while finding the clinical edge that was missing against Palace.
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