“Manchester United Dominate but Fail to Break Through Crystal Palace Defense in Frustrating First Half”

### De Ligt and Zirkzee Come Close, But Can’t Score

Summer recruits Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee, both showing impressive form in their early United careers, nearly scored. De Ligt, solid defensively, demonstrated his attacking skills as well. In the 33rd minute, he connected with a Christian Eriksen corner, rising highest at the back post, but his powerful header was expertly saved by Dean Henderson, the Palace goalkeeper and former United player. Henderson’s save kept Palace in the match and heightened the visitors’ frustration.

Zirkzee also had an opportunity to score on his Premier League debut. The tall Dutch forward met another corner from Eriksen but headed it just wide. His physicality and smart movement were noticeable throughout the first half, but like his teammates, he struggled to penetrate Palace’s resolute defense.

### Palace Struggles to Compete

Crystal Palace was largely outplayed for much of the half. They found it difficult to keep possession and were often pinned in their own half as United pressed aggressively. Eberechi Eze, Palace’s most creative player, was largely isolated and unable to impact the match. When Palace occasionally broke free from United’s press, they appeared dangerous but lacked the composure to threaten Andre Onana in United’s goal.

One of Palace’s few clear chances came in the 44th minute when Eze found space just outside the box. After a rare counter-attack, he received the ball and shot low towards goal, but Onana was there to make the save. Eze’s miss encapsulated Palace’s evening—showing promise at times but ultimately lacking in the final third.

### Van Nistelrooy’s Influence from the Sidelines

On the sidelines, United assistant coach Ruud Van Nistelrooy was seen urging players to stay composed. The former striker, renowned for his goal-scoring, appeared frustrated by the missed opportunities. Since joining Erik ten Hag’s staff, Van Nistelrooy has worked closely with United’s forwards, contributing to the improvement of players like Garnacho and Zirkzee. However, on this occasion, United’s inability to score echoed their previous struggles.

As the first half ended, Van Nistelrooy’s animated gestures indicated possible adjustments for the second half. Although United excelled in their buildup play, their failure to convert chances kept Palace in the match.

### Eriksen’s Creative Influence

Christian Eriksen was one of the few United players who seemed assured during the first half. The Danish midfielder’s set-piece deliveries consistently troubled Palace and validated his place in the starting lineup. Partnered with Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield, Eriksen provided the creative spark United needed, skillfully finding space and linking play. His experience was vital as United aimed to control the game.

Eriksen’s connection with De Ligt and Zirkzee, both of whom benefited from his precise corners, suggested that United could eventually break through if he continued to influence the match.

### Frustration Grows as United Miss Chances

Despite dominating the first 45 minutes, United went into halftime still looking for the elusive first goal. They could have easily been ahead by two or three goals, but their failure to finish left the score at 0-0. As the halftime whistle blew, the United players appeared frustrated, aware they had let Palace escape unscathed.

Bruno Fernandes, in particular, seemed to feel the pressure. The usually reliable captain struggled to find his rhythm, and his frustration became apparent when he underhit a pass to Garnacho during a promising counter-attack. This uncharacteristic error stood out amid an otherwise dominant team performance.

### Looking Ahead to the Second Half

As the teams retreated to the dressing rooms, Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff had much to consider. Despite United being the superior team, they needed to convert their dominance into goals. Van Nistelrooy’s calls for calm likely echoed in Ten Hag’s halftime talk, as United needed to maintain composure to prevent Palace from gaining momentum in the second half.

On the other hand, Crystal Palace would have been relieved to go into the break with the score still level. Despite being outplayed for much of the half, they managed to hold off United, thanks in large part to Dean Henderson’s heroics and some poor finishing by the visitors.

With the second half approaching, the question remained: Could United sustain their dominance and finally score, or would Palace capitalize on missed opportunities to mount a surprising counterattack? The match was delicately balanced, with both teams eager to make an impact as play resumed at Selhurst Park.