Marcus Rashford is becoming a problem for Manchester United

Marcus Rashford is becoming a problem for Manchester United

It started as a week full of promise for Manchester United but finished as one of the bitter disappointments after we felt to a 1-0 home defeat against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

Erik Ten Hag was not happy with a number of refereeing decisions during the match, but ultimately his side could have no one to blame but themselves as we lost our fourth match of the new Premier League campaign.

Here are five of the biggest talking points from Old Trafford as United endured their worst start to a league season in 34 years.

Marcus Rashford got a full night's rest when these two sides met earlier in the week in the hope, he would be the difference-maker on Saturday. Instead of being difference, it was more of the same from a player who has been largely frustrated this season.

He still deserves huge credit for his outrageous output last season, but Rashford is in danger of undoing some of the hard work the longer his wastefulness in the final third continues.

Rashford had plenty of possession against Crystal Palace, demonstrating that he is doing certain things correctly, but he was let down by poor decision-making in the final third and a tenancy to go it alone much too often.

He is perhaps still stuck in the habits of last season, when he had little support in the final third, but now he has a more credible partner in Rasmus Hojlund and needs to work together as one when possible.

Rashford has been a problem solver, but now he's giving us another one to solve.

Amrabat's best position is obvious.

United have been guilty of underperforming since the start of the season, but our injury crisis has certainly been a contributing factor and continued against Crystal Palace yesterday.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, and Sergio Reguilon all missed the match through injury, leaving Erik Ten Hag with few options to fill the gaps and without three of his strongest back four.

It meant Sofyan Amrabat started against at left back-back the only role we have seen him in since he joined the club, and one he is clearly not cut out for in the long run.

While he caught the eye with his work in possession, he struggled out of it and was at his best whenever he drew inside to provide cover in the midfield.

He deserves credit for his willingness to play wherever he was needed but in the long run it seems clear he is needed in midfield instead.

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