Manchester United fell to another home defeat as Jean-Philippe Mateta's brace ensured Crystal Palace came away as 2-0 victors after the Red Devils did not start a striker. United started the game brightly and with attacking intent a Old Trafford. Kobbie Mainoo was soon hitting the post in his advanced position and there was plenty of promise to the Red Devils' play. But Palace soon found themselves generating the better chances through Jean-Philippe Mateta and Daniel Munoz in an opening half that ebbed and flowed. By the end, Amorim would be pleased to reach the halfway mark in a bid to re-energise his team.

Mateta proved a handful for United, and it was the 27-year-old who reacted quickest in the second period as Harry Maguire ball-watched from a set-piece. The Palace star scored his ninth goal of the season after 64 minutes. United couldn't find a way back into the game as a lengthy stoppage saw Lisandro Martinez receive treatment before being stretchered off the field in tears. Palace rubbed salt in the wound as Mateta found the net once again in the 89th minute. Mirror Football takes a look at some of the talking points to arise from the clash.

New signings Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu were present on the Old Trafford pitch ahead of the game as United completed their first deals of the winter window. It was long understood that United were limited in the business they could conduct for Ruben Amorim, but deals have arrived even before Marcus Rashford's exit has been confirmed. At 18 and 20 respectively, the duo certainly bring youth to United. Dorgu has first team experience elsewhere and is likely to come into first team thinking quickly, while Heaven is said to have arrived to work with Amorim's squad.

Whether either have the capability of turning around United performances before the end of the season appears unlikely however. Their arrivals will be more extensively judged in years to come, for now United's previous business will continue to be judged harshly. The Manchester United midfielder started in a more advanced position on Sunday afternoon and looked to drop between midfield and forward lines, as Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo operated almost as wide forwards. The 19-year-old was quickly involved to set up Garnacho before hitting the post himself in the opening 10 minutes.

It was not a perfect outing and that Mainoo had curtailed his run already when Diogo Dalot attempted to play a ball through, saw a promising move end and the crowd groan. It's not a move that is likely a long-term answer to United's issues. It is the second game in succession that Mainoo has shown promise in advanced positions however. Amid concerns over his defensive contributions, it may be time to consider the young star as a player with greater attacking focus. Maybe not a striker however.

It's rarely a good sign when goals have been a struggle to come by and the answer has been to leave your strikers on the bench. Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund were both signed a significant cost but were forced to watch the start of the game from the sidelines. Whether it has been through inability or simply not feeling the need, United have not come close to signing a striker in the last month and were still left in a position to lead the line with a player who broke through at the base of midfield. Not a move to boost the confidence of Zirzkee or Hojlund.

It wasn't until the 70th minute the pair were brought on, with United having all the work to do after going a goal down. They couldn't spare the side's blushes however. While it would be easy to see this as one of United's better starts to a game in an attacking sense, there remained an element of vulnerability about their play. Daniel Munoz looked destined to score when he willed his way to a header over Diogo Dalot, while Tyrick Mitchell's effort somehow avoided Ismaila Sarr and Mateta.

United had 73.9 per cent of possession in the opening 15 minutes, but it never quite felt they had dominated the Eagles who were able to find good opportunities of their own. The Red Devils' energy and attacking intent faded as the half wore on too leading to another 45 minutes where they failed to get on the scoresheet, the 18th occasion it has occured in 24 first halves in the league. United were re-energised with attacking intent when the second period got underway, but Amorim may be frustrated his input continues to be so forcefully required. The 40-year-old appears unable to get a tune out of his team for a full match when they are provided the opportunity to dominate the ball.

Perhaps it is important to remember this is an era where heading into the game Crystal Palace had won five of their last 11 Premier League games against Man Utd (D3 L3) after previously not winning in 22 league meetings (D4 L18). On this occasion, it was as much a credit to Palace as United as they were put to the sword ruthlessly. While United started the game without a striker, they were forced to watch an out-and-out forward cause chaos against them. You could be forgiven for thinking the hosts should be targeting a late move for Mateta.