Danny Murphy says Manchester United will 'struggle' to make it into the top four as he laments 'shortage of goals' after 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace

Former Liverpool and Spurs midfielder Danny Murphy thinks Manchester United will find it tough to make it into the top four this season.

United struck the crossbar twice within a matter of seconds but split the points in a goalless stalemate with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Erik ten Hag opted to start with Marcus Rashford on the bench, and it was his replacement Alejandro Garnacho who was first to clip the woodwork just after the midway point in the first half.

Bruno Fernandes was also denied by the crossbar, while an excellent performance from goalkeeper Dean Henderson against his former club kept Palace in the contest with a number of big saves.

'I think they've made some decent signings in the defensive area of the pitch to help them in that respect.

'But they didn't address the shortage of goals. Last season they scored the joint lowest amount in the top half. For Manchester United.

'They brought in Zirkzee, the only attacking player. He's a young lad, he's not a goal scorer per say and he's not really a centre-forward.

'Here's the top scorers for United from last season. That's not gonna get Manchester United where they want to be in terms of competing for the title, even top four I think they're gonna struggle. They make chances, they've got creativity in the team.

'They'll expect more from Hojlund, he's come back today. But I think Ivan Toney was the one.

Gary Lineker agreed, saying the former Brentford striker was the obvious one.