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Manchester United squandered chances galore and were eventually held to a frustrating 0-0 draw in their Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
United had nine shots and created five big chances in the first half but Dean Henderson and the crossbar thwarted the visitors time and again.
The 20-time English league champions enjoyed 67 percent of the ball but will return to Manchester with a single point to show for their efforts.
Alejandro Garnacho squandered quite a few of those presentable chances while Joshua Zirkzee dropping deep meant the team lacked a focal presence up top at times.
Bruno did not have the best of games
And in the end, the Red Devils had Andre Onana to thank for pulling off a few wonderful saves which could have been the ultimate sucker punch on a day that the Old Trafford side absolutely dominated.
Bruno Fernandes had a mammoth 112 touches of the ball but probably enjoyed one of his weaker outings in a red shirt in recent memory, losing possession 34 times in 90 minutes.
Bruno Fernandes has had more shots without scoring (17) than any other player in the Premier League so far this season.
Frustrating. 😤 pic.twitter.com/m73HXmLetk
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 21, 2024
The Portuguese ended the game with 72 percent passing accuracy and failed to find a teammate with any of his six crosses and seven out of nine long ball attempts went astray.
The skipper missed one huge chance in the second half as none of his three shots were on target during the game while his follow-up effort from Alejandro Garnacho’s initial shot also hit the crossbar.
But in true Fernandes style, he never gave up or shirked responsibility, making two key passes and successfully dribbled past his opponent on both occasions he tried and gave it his all when helping out his teammates in defence.
Most shots without scoring
The midfielder won 80 percent of his duels, while making four tackles, and completing one interception and clearance apiece (all stats via sofascore).
It has been a slow start to the season for the Portugal international who is usually quite clinical when presented with an opportunity. He spurned numerous chances against Fulham in the league opener and now against the Eagles.
In fact, the former Sporting Lisbon man has attempted 17 shots without scoring, the most among his peers in the league so far this season.
With seven points from five games, United remain in 11th and the manager will expect a lot more from his captain with huge games against Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa coming up.
Feature image Harriet Lander via Getty Images
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