Man Utd’s dismal display against Crystal Palace, marred by the absence of Bruno and Maguire, transforms Old Trafford into a sea of disappointment, fueling frustration among fans.

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.

Erik ten Hag was edged closer to the sack by Manchester United’s latest thrashing

The decision to start Casemiro in defence backfired as Crystal Palace won 4-0

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.

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 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.

While Harry Maguire’s latest setback saw captain Casemiro and Evans form somewhat of a dad’s army partnership in the middle of defence.

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

Michael Olise scored twice on a memorable night for Palace

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.

But ref Jarred Gillett ruled it out after Rasmus Hojlund had bumped keeper Dean Henderson.

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.

Jean-Philippe Mateta also continued his fine form under Oliver Glasner

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.

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.