Erik ten Hag was not happy with a number of refereeing decisions during the match, but ultimately his side could have no one to blame but themselves as they lost their fourth match of the new Premier League campaign.
Here are five of the biggest talking points from Old Trafford as United endured their worst start to a league season in 34 years.
Rash decisions
Marcus Rashford got a full night's rest when these two sides met earlier in the week in the hope he would be the difference-maker on Saturday. Instead of being different, it was more of the same from a player who has been largely frustrated this season.
He still deserves huge credit for his outrageous output last season, but Rashford is in danger of undoing some of the hard work the longer his wastefulness in the final third continues.
Rashford had plenty of possession against Crystal Palace, demonstrating that he is doing certain things correctly, but he was let down by poor decision-making in the final third and a tendency to go it alone much too often.
He is perhaps still stuck in the habits of last season, when he had little support in the final third, but now he has a more credible partner in Rasmus Hojlund and needs to work together as one when possible.
Rashford has been a problem solver, but now he's giving them another one to solve.
Amrabat's best position is obvious
United have been guilty of underperforming since the start of the season, but their injury crisis has certainly been a contributing factor and continued against Palace yesterday.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, and Sergio Reguilon all missed the match through injury, leaving Erik ten Hag with few options to fill the gaps and without three of his strongest back four.
It meant Sofyan Amrabat started again at left-back, the only role we have seen him in since he joined the club, and one he is clearly not cut out for in the long run.While he caught the eye with his work in possession, he struggled out of it and was at his best whenever he drew inside to provide cover in midfield.
He deserves credit for his willingness to play wherever he was needed but in the long run it seems clear he is needed in midfield instead.
Pellistri running out of chances
It was another big show of faith in Facundo Pellistri to start, given his best performances have all been from the bench in a United shirt, and he is still yet to put in a good showing from the start.
Pellistri was starting his first Premier League match for the club, the only time he has ever started two consecutive times either, and it soon became clear why that is the case.
The Uruguayan international struggled to get into the match and looked overawed whenever he did, another reality check that he is still not quite ready for a regular role in the side.
With Antony returning to training and Amad on his way back from injury, there might not be too many more chances for him to make a case for himself in a long-term role.
The Garnacho dilemma
United have a dilemma in that Alejandro Garnacho is a proven game changer from the bench, but they might need him to start matches soon.
The Argentine has always been at his best when he has been introduced during a game and has been able to terrorise tiring legs with his direct and dangerous dribbling technique.
He did so again against Palace yesterday, giving United the lift they so desperately needed with his refreshingly no-nonsense approach and perpetual desire to carry the ball forward.
United's dilemma going forward is that while Garnacho is certainly deserving of a start ahead of other forwards, he has rarely played well from the start and is a more threatening weapon from the bench.
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