Manchester United 2 - 0 Crystal Palace : Five Talking Points

Adnan Januzaj(R) in action against Crystal Palace

David Moyes claimed his first home win in charge of Manchester United as they beat Crystal Palace 2-0 thanks to a Robin Van Persie penalty in first half stoppage time and a wonderful free kick from Wayne Rooney, late on in the game. So, let us look at the five major talking points from the game.

Ashley Young needs some serious talking to

Although Ashley Young had a very good game in general, and was his usual bag of tricks yet again, the tackle that led to Van Persie’s penalty and another penalty claim early in the first half will continue to make all the headlines. Whilst the penalty that was given was certainly a tough call, it was the right now but the earlier one was one that will continue to strengthen his reputation as one of the game’s serial divers.

Replays showed that Ashley Young deliberately tried to con the referee as he put his leg into the Eagles midfielder Dikgacoi whilst trying to win a penalty. The referee though, was having none of it and booked him for simulation. And, this isn’t the first time, this has happened and that fact will continue to worry Moyes who has said that he will reprimand Ashley Young. Having previously been on the end of repeated lectures from Sir Alex Ferguson, Moyes will be hoping that he changes his ways.

United still lack that final killer ball

Although the red devils had more than 60% possession and controlled the game from start to finish, their final delivery was still not up to the mark. With their big summer signing on the bench, United started with Carrick and Anderson in the middle of the park with Valencia and Young on the wings. And with Rooney operating as a second striker, most of their attacks came down the flanks.

Although they got into plenty of good positions, they still lacked that final killer ball, which could have opened up this Palace defense. Testament to this, was, Anderson, who was in good position down the right flank, all of sudden slipped, only to give possession away cheaply, right before he was substituted for Fellaini. Whilst this game was no doubt comfortable, they didn’t create as many chances as they would have liked and that has to change, if they are to compete for honors, both domestic and in Europe.

Jedinak will be key to Palace’s Survival

Right until the moment he gave the ball away, which resulted in a penalty and his midfield partner Dikgacoi being sent off, Mile Jedinak had a perfect afternoon. Even after that, in the second half, the skipper continued to have a brilliant game and at times, kept his side in the game.

Whether it was making last ditch tackles, clearances in his own box or making interceptions in the middle of the park, Jedinak did each and every one of these duties with great aplomb and looks at home in the premier League. So, Palace will surely be counting on their captain, to provide them with the platform as they look to stay in the Premier League for at least one more year.

Januzaj shows glimpses of his brilliance

On the 50^th anniversary of George Best’s debut for Manchester United, there was another player making his debut for United, looking to emulate in his predecessor’s illustrious footsteps. As Adnan Januzaj came on with just a quarter of the game left to play, he certainly left his indelible mark on the game with his mazy runs and his wonderful close control.

And although his appearance was brief and the fact that the opposition were down to 10 men might have helped, the Belgian winger still displayed maturity beyond his years and his surety of touch was one which would have pleased the Old Trafford faithful to no end. And one begins to wonder if the man from Brussels might yet have a say in what transpires over the course of the season.

The fullbacks will certainly enjoy Moyes’s reign

The precedent was set in the very first minute, as Fabio, playing at right back and starting his first game of the season, burst forward and almost created a goal scoring opportunity. Right throughout the game, both full backs, Evra and Fabio, got forward at every opportunity and supplemented the attack and that trend looks like it will carry on throughout the season.

Based on the first few games alone, Evra already looks like he is enjoying himself and has found himself in the opposition penalty area, more than he has been in his own. Whilst at Everton, Leighton Baines was Moyes’s creator in chief and both his fullbacks got forward and that doesn’t look like changing at Old Trafford, where he will a greater quality of players to call upon.