Looking to record their fourth straight victory across all competitions, Manchester United welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils edged Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage last weekend before getting the job done against FCSB in midweek to finish third in the league phase of the Europa League and qualify automatically for the final 16. They are the only side across the Champions League and Europa League who went unbeaten throughout the Europa League’s league phase, highlighting Ruben Amorim’s success on the European scene so far.
Now focus shifts to Premier League duties where Amorim’s side have to improve to climb the table. However, they come up against a tricky Crystal Palace side who have been a tough nut to crack away from home.
Manchester United Team News
Luke Shaw is still not available for selection despite returning to team training earlier this week, confirmed Amorim in his pre-match presser.
Jonny Evans and Mason Mount are already sidelined for Manchester United, with the former missing the last seven games due to an unspecified problem.
Predicted Manchester United lineup vs Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Andre Onana will be back in the starting XI, replacing Altay Bayindir in goal from the FCSB game. He will be hoping to keep back-to-back clean sheets in the Premier League when Man United take on Palace.
Defence
Amorim is expected to make a couple of changes at the back; Harry Maguire is a certainty to start in the centre of the back three after being an unused substitute in midweek, with Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt on either side of the Englishman.
Man United’s defensive trio have to maintain their focus throughout the game and be strong from set-piece situations, which Palace will try to take advantage of.
Midfield
Noussair Mazraoui, who started in a back three in the Europa League in Romania, will move to the right wing-back position, with Diogo Dalot—scorer in the 2-0 win over FCSB, operating from the other flank. The duo will be responsible for making an impact on both sides of the pitch.
Bruno Fernandes is expected to operate in a deeper role alongside Manuel Ugarte in the middle of the park. With Ugarte holding the fort, the onus will be on Fernandes to try unlocking the rigid Palace defence with his vision, incisive passing and movement. Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Toby Collyer should offer cover for midfield positions from the bench.
Attack
Kobbie Mainoo flourished in an advanced role in the second half against FCSB on Thursday, so Amorim could use him again in a similar fashion on Sunday. Man United’s best player under Amorim, Amad Diallo should be looking to link up well with the likes of Mainoo and Fernandes and produce the goods in the final third.
Leading the attack will be Joshua Zirkzee, who came on for Rasmus Hojlund late in the second half against the Romanian side in midweek. Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho should settle for spots on the bench.
