Manchester United horror show sinks to new low with another humiliating collapse

Napoleon once famously said, "Never interrupt your enemy when he's making a mistake." Crystal Palace certainly took these words to heart as they gleefully observed Manchester United's countless blunders during their encounter at Selhurst Park on Monday night. 

The image of United star Casemiro lying helplessly on the turf while Michael Olise effortlessly slipped away from him was just one of the many snapshots capturing the utter chaos that befell the English juggernaut. The 4-0 scoreline scarcely reflected the extent of United's abysmal collapse, and their only solace was that Palace failed to find a fifth goal to match their record win over the Red Devils 52 years ago.

In the absence of their sidelined captain Bruno Fernandes and the injured Harry Maguire, United had to rely on Jonny Evans and Casemiro as their 14th center-back pairing of the league season. It took a mere 13 minutes for Palace to exploit this makeshift defense, with Olise effortlessly toying with Casemiro before breaking the deadlock. Shortly before half-time, it was Evans' turn to be left exposed against another Palace attack, as Mateta evaded him and doubled the home team's lead. 

The misery continued for United as Tyrick Mitchell added a third goal, assisted by Adam Wharton's superb cross at the hour mark. And just when you thought it couldn't get worse for United, Olise capitalized on yet another mistake by Casemiro, unleashing a powerful strike that left Andre Onana with no chance. The fluidity of Palace's attacks and United's defensive vulnerability painted a bleak picture for the visitors.

If there were any doubts about Erik ten Hag's future at United, this humiliating defeat surely eradicated them completely. The club's owner must now be convinced that a change is necessary. While the under-pressure coach may survive until the end of the season, he now faces an gigantic task in regaining the confidence and motivation of his demoralized players.  

It's unprecedented for United to have suffered 13 losses in a single Premier League season, and one has to go back 47 years to find the last time they conceded over 81 goals in all competitions. Such statistics are simply inconceivable for a powerhouse like United.

With just one victory in their last seven matches, United's descent down the league table has seen them slip to the eighth position. Now, they face the alarming prospect of missing out on European competition altogether next season, which could have severe financial implications for the club.  

To secure European football, they must either finish seventh and secure a spot in the Europa Conference League or defeat Manchester City in the FA Cup final to secure a place in the Europa League.  

In what has been a season filled with disappointments, United somehow managed to reach a new nadir with this latest setback, but the situation could still deteriorate further. United still have matches against league leaders Arsenal and Newcastle United at Old Trafford, followed by a trip to Brighton, so there is a distinct possibility that they may extend their record of 13 defeats and compound their woes.

For the United supporters, it is only natural to acknowledge that to err is human. But what truly stings the most is the apparent lack of interest displayed by the players. This sense of detachment and disengagement is what cuts deepest.