Manchester United overrode a major injury crisis on Sunday to emerge with a hard-earned point against league leaders Liverpool.
A battered and bruised United squad were hit with an unprecedented number of injuries but banked on their desire and the vociferous backing of the home supporters to restrict the Reds from taking any advantage of a weakened United.
But now Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has to deal with as many as 10 injuries to first-team players as he prepares for another crucial clash against an unpredictable Crystal Palace side at the Selhurst Park.
While there might be the urge to protect the unscathed but overworked players from any further injuries, the fact that United are out of the top 4 and Palace are on a good run having not been beaten in their last 4 league games might play against the notion of further rotation tonight.
MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS
Anthony Martial (groin) will not be risked for this game, while Marcus Rashford (ankle), Jesse Lingard (hamstring), Juan Mata (hamstring), and Ander Herrera (hamstring) are all major doubts and Nemanja Matic will be back next month.
Matteo Darmian has returned to training but is still not ready to feature.
PREDICTED MANCHESTER UNITED LINEUP VS CRYSTAL PALACE (4-4-2 Diamond)
DEFENCE
David de Gea will be in goal. The Spaniard has had an excellent season until this point and will want to carry on in the same manner.
Ashley Young might have to put in another shift at right-back with the game against Southampton likely to be the one where he gets a rest.
Victor Lindelof and Chris Smalling’s recent form should guarantee them another start with the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Michy Batshuayi capable of posing a substantial threat to United’s backline.
Luke Shaw will start as the left-back.
MIDFIELD
With attacking options running dry for Ole, we foresee a return to a midfield diamond to utilise the fit midfield players.
Scott McTominay is expected to sit in deep midfield with Andreas Pereira and Fred likely to start in central midfield. The Brazilian has not played a game for 53 days and will be eager to put in an impressive shift.
Paul Pogba will sit at the tip of the diamond and will be United’s main creator-in-chief.
ATTACK
In attack, the much-maligned pair of Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku will have to shoulder the burden with the duo likely to lead the line.
There will be a temptation to hand Tahith Chong a start but an appearance off the bench looks like a more logical option.
