Manchester United have started their Premier League campaign in controversial circumstances.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were given an extra week to recover from their Europa League exploits and began at Old Trafford against Roy Hodson’s men.It’s been a tough summer for the Red Devils, who have only added Donny van de Beek to their ranks.In the meantime, they’ve had to watch the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City add quality to their squad.And if it wasn’t already obvious that they needed to sign some players this summer, then it is now after their performance against Palace.From start to finish, the away side looked dangerous and gave United all kinds of problems.And it only took them seven minutes to take the lead as Andros Townsend scored at the back post from Jeffrey Schlupp’s cross.
The home side may have looked more dangerous after the break but Palace doubled their lead with less than 20 minutes remaining - and it was controversial, to say the least.
Palace were awarded a penalty by VAR after Victor Lindelof handled inside his penalty area. Referee Martin Atkinson took a look at his VAR screen before pointing to the spot.
The drama hadn’t even started, though.
Jordan Ayew stepped up and saw his penalty saved. Thirty seconds later as the play continued, Atkinson blew his whistle and pointed to the spot again. The reason was the fact David de Gea had left this line by a matter in inches.
It’s a new rule in place in the Premier League and it seemed incredibly harsh.
Wilfried Zaha took the next penalty and scored, putting Palace 2-0 ahead.
New signing, Van de Beek did grab a goal back for United shortly afterwards but Palace put the game beyond doubt with a brilliant goal from Zaha.