Crystal Palace 1-2 Manchester United: Three thoughts


1. Fourth spot virtually secured





With the win on Saturday afternoon, followed by Liverpool's inevitable inability to beat the best team in the country, United all-but secured a place in next season's Champions League (well...into the play-off's at least). We are now six points clear with only two games to go, however United's goal difference (14+ over Liverpool's) means it will take some seriously freakish results over the season's final two weeks to see Liverpool and United switch places...in other words, United have achieved their goal of reaching next season's Champions League after a season's absence, while Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers completely capitulated under the pressure that was placed on them thanks to last season's remarkable second place finish. Of course, there will be plenty of 'what if's' for United as some claim we massively underachieved due to the millions we spent improving the side last summer. What if Di Maria and Falcao settled in and took the Premier League by storm as everyone had expected? What if United weren't so hampered by injuries in the first few months of the season, giving the likes of McNair and Blackett premature starts to their United careers? "Who knows" is obviously the answer to these questions. However, as the season draws to a close, we should be content with the strong finish that should see us attract some big name players (i.e. more like Depay) who are looking for European football next season.






Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP/Getty Images








2. De Gea





Yet another incredible performance in goal from the big man. Not even Jamie Carragher's petty (albeit worryingly thought provoking) Tweet following the game could deter United fan's love for our amazing goalie. For those who missed it, here's what the bitter Scouser had to say at full-time...


Whether he stays or goes (and God please, let's hope he stays!) his consistently excellent performances this season have been pivotal. While in the previous point I talk about some things not going our way as a possible reason to why we have underachieved, there is no denying De Gea's presence in goal has been a blessing - and one that, had we been without, would have probably seen us finish way outside the top four. No doubt money will be spent and new acquisitions made in the summer, however surely one of the best signings we could make is keeping De Gea at United?





3. Issues in defense





United were largely poor at the back against Palace, and had it not been for theirs poor finishing as well as the agility and class of a certain giant Spaniard, United could have been well beaten. Smalling has improved as the season has gone on - and in the process has proven a lot of critics wrong who dismissed him as a starter in LVG's United side - however there is still plenty to do if he is to own that role in the way Rio and Vidic had before him. Some are suggesting that United's transfer budget for the summer (which I'm sure will reach the silly levels of last summer) should be spent entirely on revamping our defense. With Rojo and Shaw still finding their feet with both suffering injuries, and Jones a utility player at best, I would be inclined to agree.

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