Momentum stalled for Solskjaer as Man Utd's defensive frailties resurface

Defeat supports what United’s critics have been pointing out since the game restarted - the desperate need for Solskjaer to improve his defence.

ON THE BACK FOOT: Man United's Victor Lindelof (left) backtracks as Palace's Michy Batshuayi threatens. 

Man Utd 1 (van de Beek 80)  Crystal Palace 3 (Townsend 7, Zaha 74 pen, 85)

Manchester United supremo Ed Woodward offered an impassioned explanation before his club’s opening league game of the new campaign for why there has been such a close season of relative transfer inactivity at Old Trafford.