‘Awful’ – Palace’s ‘appalling’ marking for goal slammed as Man United cruise in Cup

Crystal Palace’s defending has been labelled as ‘awful’ following their tough first half at Manchester United.

The Eagles are staring down the barrel of a third round Carabao Cup exit as they find themselves 2-0 down at half time at Old Trafford.

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After defending well in the opening stages, Roy Hodgson’s side soon found themselves under the cosh when debutante goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who signed for Palace from Man United this summer, was forced off with an injury.

Sam Johnstone stepped in in goal, but it wasn’t long until the Eagles star had to pick the ball out of his own net, as Alejandro Garnacho got the better of Palace’s back line.

However, it was the defending for Man United’s next goal that came just six minutes later that had talkSPORT’s Andy Townsend fuming.

Mason Mount swung the ball into the box and midfield star Casemiro easily escaped the attention of his marker before glancing a header beyond Johnstone as Man United doubled their advantage.

Speaking live on talkSPORT from Old Trafford, co-commentator for the game Townsend said: “That is so straightforward, the marking is appalling, shocking.

“The marking is so bad. He’s just wondering in the penalty box and he doesn’t have to work very hard before heading the ball well in the goal. Palace honestly, have been awful.”

Later in the half Townsend continued his criticism of Palace, adding: “There’s been very little resistance from Palace.

“They’ve been desperate if I’m being honest, really disappointed by the way they’ve performed, and the attitude of them.

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“I just think they’ve sat in there and they’ve been waiting to go behind in this game and that’s what has happened.”

You can listen to the second half and all the reaction from the game live on talkSPORT.