Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Match Preview: Kick-off time, Team News and Score Prediction

Erik ten Hag’s Reds welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford as Manchester United look to take all three points against The Eagles this time.

Competition: Premier League
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick Off: 20:00 UK Time

How do Manchester United Look?

Last time out United had quite a straightforward game. They were already three goals up on opponents Nottingham Forest due to their victory in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie at The City Ground. It was a slightly rotated line-up with Tom Heaton starting in goal and Alejandro Garnacho starting on the left. The first half was quite dull from both sides, United were in control but failed to create any big chances. Forest had the best chance of the half through a volley from Emmanuel Dennis that was certain to find the goal but his shot in the box was blocked by his teammate Sam Surridge. United played with a bit more gusto in the second half but still struggled to create chances until the introduction of Marcus Rashford and the returns of Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho in a triple substitution in the 62^nd minute.

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The three players combined well in the final third along with Bruno Fernandes who moved to the right wing to allow Sancho to play as a number ten. The first goal came from a combination of Martial and Rashford with the Frenchman picking up the ball and driving towards to the Nottingham Forest penalty box. Martial spotted Rashford in space and tried to slip him in but his pass was short allowing Scott McKenna to block Rashford’s attempt. The ball would ricochet and fall back to Martial for him to slot home. The lead would be doubled just minutes later Sancho spread the ball wide to Bruno Fernandes who played a wonderful trivela pass towards the back post for Rashford who was able to knock the ball across from Fred to tap into an empty goal.

The returns of Jadon Sancho and Anthony Martial were nice to see and more good news could be on the way with Diogo Dalot spotted in training ahead of the Crystal Palace game. New loanee Marcel Sabitzer also completed his first training session with the squad and could be involved in the matchday squad against Crystal Palace.

Opponents: Crystal Palace

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Crystal Palace do not find themselves in good form coming into their game against United at Old Trafford. The Eagles currently sit 12^th in the Premier League but haven’t won any of their last five games in all competitions. Their draw against United at Selhurst Park is included in these results and it will give them the belief and confidence that they can get a result at Old Trafford.

With Zaha potentially being out for the game at Old Trafford Palace will have to turn to their other attacking options. Michael Olise introduced himself to Manchester United fans last time out with a stunning freekick in the last minute but the youngster is a genuine attacking threat. Olise has two goals and four assists in the league so far this season and has been integral to The Eagles this season with his creativity from open play and set-piece situations.

Prediction

United have reacted well since their 3-2 loss to league leaders Arsenal and have now won their last three games. The Reds are building their momentum back up and will be expected to do more of the same here against Palace at home. United will have to play a lot better than they did at Selhurst Park, but with some of the returns to the squad, they should be able to. Crystal Palace have already proven themselves to be a tough task for United and they will put up a good challenge throughout game but Erik ten Hag’s men should have enough to collect all three points.