ERIC CANTONA’S name was belted out by Manchester United fans, nearly 30 years on from his infamous kung-fu kick on a Palace fan.
But it was another enigmatic Frenchman who dealt a devastating blow to the European hopes of Cantona’s old side – and floundering Erik ten Hag’s job prospects.
7Erik ten Hag was edged closer to the sack by Manchester United’s latest thrashingCredit: Alamy
7The decision to start Casemiro in defence backfired as Crystal Palace won 4-0Credit: Getty
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Michael Olise has a habit of ice-cool, hard-to-read celebrations, just like collar-up King Eric did all those years ago.
The mercurial 22-year-old was motionless and emotionless after netting a fabulous, point-saving free-kick deep into stoppage time in this fixture last season.
This term, after a sublime early opener, there was a little more to his routine as he opted to point one finger to his lips, another to his right ear and closed his eyes.
It depicted a zen-like calm and control – in contrast to the Keystone Cops he was facing.No wonder United have Olise, who has seven Under-21 caps for France but could still play for England, high up on their summer shopping list.
Though when you watch him play with such grace like he did here, and how grim United were, you wonder why he would even consider trading places.
Olise’s wonder goal sparked another predictably difficult night for Ten Hag, who saw his weak side go further down before the break through in-form Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Ten Hag will have winced as Jonny Evans, who had given Olise the freedom of Selhurst for the opener, was left for dead by Mateta for the second.The bad night in Croydon, which worsened when Tyrick Mitchell and Olise again doubled the lead after the break, saw United well and truly cock up the chance to go sixth.
And given they face Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton in their final three games, the smart money is on them missing out on Europe altogether before the cup final with City.For many observers, Ten Hag looks like a dead man walking already, with this the latest in an embarrassment of embarrassments.
Former England midfielder Danny Murphy, doing punditry last night on talkSPORT, said he would be “gobsmacked” if the Dutchman was still in charge next season.
When asked why, he replied that all United’s rivals “would be laughing at them” should he remain in place, given the lack of progress on the former Ajax boss’ watch.
For balance, Ten Hag has had to deal with a crippling injury list this season.
One that is so bad that it even got to captain Bruno Fernandes, who last night, incredibly, missed his first ever game through injury in his entire career due to an ankle problem.
It meant Mason Mount, himself sidelined for most of his maiden season at United, was given his first start since October 7.
7Michael Olise scored twice on a memorable night for PalaceCredit: Rex
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While Harry Maguire’s latest setback saw captain Casemiro and Evans form somewhat of a dad’s army partnership in the middle of defence.
A new centre-back will surely be a high transfer priority this summer, with Palace defender Marc Guehi in their sights.
Olise is also on their radar – it would be a dereliction of duty if he was not – and it was he who broke the deadlock here in style.
Receiving Daniel Munoz’s throw-in not far from the halfway line, his twinkle toes put Casemiro on his backside before racing towards goal.
Evans backed off, fearing a run by Mateta, while Kobbie Mainoo could not keep pace, and Olise took aim from the edge of the box and found the corner.
It was scintillating stuff which will have impressed the watching Gareth Southgate, who must be still hoping he can convince London-born winger of switching to the Three Lions.
Olise would have had a second ten minutes later when Munoz cut it back to him, but his goalbound shot hit his own man in Mateta.
United did have the ball in the Palace net midway through the first half thanks to Casemiro’s looping header.
7Jean-Philippe Mateta also continued his fine form under Oliver GlasnerCredit: Reuters
But ref Jarred Gillett ruled it out after Rasmus Hojlund had bumped keeper Dean Henderson.
Gillet was wearing a ‘ref cam’ for a TV programme designed to showcase the demands of a Premier League match official.
We will have to wait for the show to come out to confirm if the device on his left ear picked up Palace fans branding the Aussie a “s*** referee” towards the end of the first half.
Their attention quickly shifted though as Mateta left Evans looking like a statue before belting the ball in at the near post for his ninth goal since Oliver Glasner took over in mid February.
It was game over from that point and just a question of how many for the rampant hosts.
Eberechi Eze, Mitchell and Will Hughes all went close before Palace’s left wing-back turned home a cut-back from Joachim Andersen.
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Ten Hag’s night hit a new low when Casemiro was robbed of possession in the corner by Munoz, who gave it back to Olise, who promptly smashed it into the top corner.
For this one, the starlet did allow himself a smile and a high five with his manager.Eagles chief Glasner looks like a man with a plan and fans are loving him for it.
His opposite number, in contrast, was left looking clueless once again and as if Olise, nay, even peak Cantona, would not be able save him.