Incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag might have needed an extra page when jotting down his notes during the Premier League game against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon. As the final day threw up thrills and spills elsewhere, the all-too-familiar drab feeling resurfaced for United supporters in south London.
United's clash with Palace was essentially a dead rubber given West Ham lost and so a place in the Europa League was assured. However, Ten Hag's attendance meant there was plenty for United's players to play for.
As he has been all season, David de Gea was perhaps the standout performer for United and another tick will go down next to his name - his explosive post-match comments made sure of that. Otherwise, it was a match that threw up more questions for Ten Hag than answers. Here are three moments missed from Selhurst Park as the man tasked with providing a bright future encountered another from days gone by.
READ MORE: Highlights and reaction from Crystal Palace vs Manchester United fixture
Zaha makes his mark against old club
Given what has been unfolding in the present, you can forgive anyone with Old Trafford connections for putting their faith in the future. But on an occasion when the next manager was meant to take centre stage, it was a figure from the past who, ultimately, made the biggest mark. Offered a helping hand by Bruno Fernandes in the build-up, Wilfried Zaha settled the scores against his former club.
Him celebrating was a sight far too rare in that famous red shirt, but he did not hold back when showcasing his delight after tucking into the bottom corner. It looked for one split second, as Zaha jumped skywards, that he was about to channel his inner Cristiano Ronaldo. Alas, there was no Siiiuuuu, only a 'look at what you missed out on'.
Fernandez promotes social media bluff
Given that this dismal campaign had already fallen flat by the November internationals, a dramatic fall away from top-four contention and elimination from every cup competition meant there was little riding on the trip to a usually raucous Selhurst Park. Okay, so having Ten Hag there in a watching capacity *might* have given a boost to those players wanting to impress, but they have already had ample opportunity to do that.
One silver lining for United and their supporters was the inclusion of so many young players in the matchday squad. It was a huge day for Hannibal as he was welcomed into the line-up for a first Premier League start. Watchers from afar would have been excused for thinking Alvaro Fernandez was about to join him in the team after he reposted a vibrant image on his Instagram profile. You mean things posted on social media can't be taken as gospel?
Perfect storm for Ten Hag to experience
Ten Hag arrives in England with a proud CV and his footballing achievements at Ajax are well recognised. However, there is still an element of mystery around his personality and you get the feeling he quite likes it that way. It was a low-key entry for the Dutchman as he pitched up at Selhurst Park alongside Steve McClaren in a tan-coloured blazer that indicates summer is well on its way.
This dead rubber was no more than a first-hand scouting mission for Ten Hag as he plots a much-needed rebuild at Old Trafford during the upcoming window. He will no doubt have taken notes in the south London crowd and will hopefully have a clearer vision of what needs to be done.
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