Manchester United’s struggles at Old Trafford hit a new low as Crystal Palace delivered yet another humbling defeat, exposing the deep-rooted issues plaguing the once-feared fortress.
The Red Devils’ latest setback marked the ninth time this season they have failed to find the back of the net, a damning statistic that places them among the league’s least clinical sides. Only Everton and Southampton have drawn blanks more often in the current campaign, highlighting a blunt attack that has struggled to impose itself, particularly on home soil.
Old Trafford, once a cauldron of intimidation, has become an inviting ground for opposition sides. This season alone, United have lost seven of their 13 home league matches—matching their worst-ever return at this stage of a campaign, a record that dates back to 1893-94. The statistics paint an even grimmer picture when stretched back to last season, with only Wolves (16) suffering more Premier League home defeats than United’s 13. Ruben Amorim, who took charge mid-season, faces an uphill task in restoring the club’s dominance in M16.
Adding to their attacking struggles, United have failed to score in the first half of 18 league matches this season, the highest tally of any Premier League side. The absence of a clinical edge has been painfully evident, with forwards failing to convert chances and the midfield offering little in the way of creativity. The departure of Marcus Rashford on loan to Aston Villa further thins United’s attacking options, with no guarantee of a replacement arriving before the transfer window slams shut.
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Amorim’s post-match demeanor did little to hide his frustration. His side not only looked toothless in attack but also lacked the defensive solidity to keep games within reach. Despite the pressure mounting, the Portuguese manager will be given time to implement his philosophy, though the cracks at United extend far beyond the dugout. Fans, once accustomed to last-minute winners and dominant performances, now leave Old Trafford in frustration, wondering when—if ever—their club will rediscover its former glory.
With Champions League hopes slipping away, United must find solutions fast. The trend of being outfought and outplayed at home is unsustainable for a club of their stature. The remainder of the season now becomes a test of character for Amorim’s squad, who must prove they can rise above adversity and restore pride to their faltering campaign.
Opponents no longer fear a trip to Old Trafford—if anything, they relish it. Until Manchester United can re-establish their home ground as a place of dominance rather than vulnerability, they will remain a shadow of their former selves, struggling to compete at the level their history demands.
