Ralf Rangnick’s first test as the new Manchester United interim manager comes on Sunday in a home Premier League fixture against Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace.
The entertaining 3-2 victory against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Thursday, which was Michael Carrick’s final game in caretaker charge, lifted the Red Devils to seventh in the table.
The win over the Gunners should give the Man United players a lot of confidence heading into the busy schedule, as Ralf Rangnick eyes a positive start to his tenure at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Manchester United will be without long-term absentees Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (hand), Luke Shaw (concussion), Edinson Cavani (tendon) and Nemanja Matic (hamstring) are all doubtful, although Michael Carrick told before the game against Arsenal that it was “touch and go” over Wan-Bissaka’s involvement, which suggests the right-back may have a chance of featuring against his former club.
Meanwhile, Rangnick could be dealt with a big blow ahead of the weekend clash with Crystal Palace after reports of Cristiano Ronaldo sustaining a knee injury against Arsenal have emerged of late.
Goalkeeper
David de Gea’s shot-stopping has been top-class this season and he is likely to continue in goal on Sunday.
Defence
Manchester United have been defensively very poor this season, conceding 24 goals in 14 games already. They conceded twice against Arsenal and could have leaked more on any other day, which should’ve worried Rangnick, who watched the game from stands.
Skipper Harry Maguire isn’t untouchable anymore but is likely to start against Crystal Palace. Victor Lindelof will be his partner in central defence. Even if Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw attain full fitness, Rangnick is likely to go with Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles at full-back positions after the duo’s impressive displays against Arsenal.
Midfield
Fred’s energy and intensity to press constantly make him an ideal fit in Rangnick’s trademark pressing game. The Brazilian, after an improved second-half display against Arsenal, is a certainty to start on Sunday. The new interim manager could go with a more dynamic passer than Scott McTominay to partner Fred in midfield, making Donny Van de Beek a top shout to start against the Eagles.
Bruno Fernandes would have gained some confidence after scoring the equaliser in the first half against Arsenal. However, Rangnick will hope the Portuguese to have more influence with and without the ball at the weekend. Jadon Sancho was heavily involved in Man United’s two goals on Friday, and with the form he’s in, it is difficult to keep him out of the starting XI.
Attack
If Cristiano Ronaldo fails to attain full fitness, Rangnick might go with Mason Greenwood, who has been on the bench for the last two fixtures after recovering from Covid-19. Despite assisting one of Ronaldo’s goals against Arsenal, Marcus Rashford overall had a mediocre game. Yet, Rangnick is likely to persist with the England international up top as Greenwood’s strike partner.
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