Lisandro Martinez appeared to suffer a potential season-ending knee injury during Manchester United's 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
The Argentina international had to be stretchered off the field in the 82nd minute of the contest after seemingly seriously damaging his knee, and it proved to be a horrific afternoon for the Red Devils, as a second-half double from Jean-Philippe Mateta secured a valuable three points for the Eagles.
It is an 11th Premier League defeat of the season for Man United, with seven of those coming at Old Trafford, and Ruben Amorim's side have dropped to 13th spot in the table, with Palace moving ahead of them into 12th.
Man United are now only three points ahead of 16th-placed Everton, and it was once again a case of one step forward, five steps back for the English giants, who are staring at a worst-ever Premier League finish.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Man United entered the match on the back of a run of five wins from their last six matches in all competitions, but they were once again undone at Old Trafford, suffering their fifth loss in their last six league fixtures in front of their own supporters.
Mateta's double, following more lacklustre defending, proved to be the difference, with Palace the more productive outfit, but it was even more costly for Man United considering the injury that Martinez appeared to suffer.
The Argentine looked in severe discomfort when he was stretchered off the field, and there are now genuine fears that he has suffered a problem which could lead to a lengthy period on the sidelines.
Man United showed off their new signings Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven to the Old Trafford crowd ahead of kickoff, but this match was another indication of how much work is needed.
Kobbie Mainoo started as the centre-forward, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee on the bench, and the Red Devils finished with just two shots on target during another miserable performance.
Mateta showed them the way down the other end, with the Frenchman moving onto 10 Premier League goals for the season, and Man United will wish that they had the 27-year-old leading their line.
MAN UNITED VS. CRYSTAL PALACE HIGHLIGHTS
64th min: Man United 0-1 Palace (Jean-Philippe Mateta)
Palace make the breakthrough in the 64th minute of the contest, as Mateta converts from close range after a header from Maxence Lacroix had hit the crossbar - Man United's issues on home soil are again on full display.
89th min: Man United 0-2 Palace (Jean-Philippe Mateta)
Palace score their second of the match, and it is another goal for Mateta, who converts a cross from Daniel Munoz after the right-back had broken clear - once again, it is horrific defending from the 20-time English champions.
MAN OF THE MATCH - JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA
© Imago
There was one proper centre-forward on the field at Old Trafford, and he played for the visitors.
Mateta showed his goalscoring instincts to find the back of the net on two occasions, and it was a powerful performance from the 27-year-old, who is now on 10 Premier League goals for the campaign, including six in his last five outings at this level.
MAN UNITED VS. CRYSTAL PALACE MATCH STATS
Possession: Man United 66%-34% Crystal Palace
Shots: Man United 17-11 Crystal Palace
Shots on target: Man United 2-3 Crystal Palace
Corners: Man United 11-0 Crystal Palace
Fouls: Man United 12-13 Crystal Palace
BEST STATS
Amad Diallo created more chances (4) than the rest of this teammates combined (3) in the first half vs. Crystal Palace. 🔑#MUNCRY pic.twitter.com/y65ujLaBCI
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) February 2, 2025
Manchester United have now failed to have a shot on target in the first half in five of their last 12 Premier League games. 👀 https://t.co/Ncvp5OJ6xk
— Squawka (@Squawka) February 2, 2025
13 - Since the beginning of last season only Wolves (16) have lost more Premier League home games than Manchester United (13). Pantomime. pic.twitter.com/55zP2PohoY
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 2, 2025
FT: Man Utd 0-2 Crystal Palace
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) February 2, 2025
Crystal Palace have now won six of their last 12 Premier League games against Man Utd (D3 L3), having been winless in 22 league games against them before this (D4 L18).#MUNCRY pic.twitter.com/PvGtiA2veo
Manchester United had not lost SEVEN of their first 13 home matches of the league season since 1893-94 😳
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 2, 2025
OVER 130 YEARS! pic.twitter.com/LE3xahbVhv
WHAT NEXT?
Both teams will now switch their attention to the FA Cup, with Man United welcoming Leicester City to Old Trafford in the fourth round of the competition on Friday night, while Palace will head to Doncaster Rovers on February 10.
Man United's Premier League campaign will then resume away to Tottenham Hotspur on February 16, while Palace will be back in league action at home to Everton on February 15.
Matt Law
