Match Preview: Manchester United vs Crystal Palace

Manchester United vs Crystal Palace | Premier League | Old Trafford | KO 14:00 GMT

Michael Carrick, following his successful stint as Manchester United caretaker boss over the last three matches, announced after Thursday’s 3-2 victory against Arsenal that he would be stepping away from the club after fifteen years at Old Trafford, and leaves as a true legend.

His brief role as manager has helped pave the way for the newly appointed interim manager, Ralf Rangnick, to enter the club and install his beliefs and philosophies upon the players and staff.

The German’s first game in charge of United in the Old Trafford dugout sees the visit of Patrick Viera’s Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon, with The Reds in need of a win to kick off the new era in a positive manner, and to keep up the chase for a top four finish.

How do Manchester United look?

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Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player in history to reach 800 official career goals (now 801) with a brace against Arsenal in midweek, and once again cemented himself as the greatest goal scorer the game has ever seen.

There had been brief discussions between fans, pundits, and journalists that Ronaldo might not fit in with the pressing style that Rangnick likes to play, but those rumours were quickly put to bed, as he reminded everyone that he can, and will, do the business in any team.

With that being said, however, there was a slight cause for concern, as he headed straight down the tunnel after being substituted off against The Gunners, suggesting he may have picked up a knock.

He has, however, been spotted with the squad that travelled to the team hotel ahead of this one, so the signs are promising.

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Speaking on Ronaldo, Rangnick said “Having seen Cristiano in the second half at the age of 36, an amazing top professional. At his age, I’ve never seen a player who is still that physically fit. He’s still a player who can easily make the difference”, showing that he, of course, will be vital to The German’s plans, and will be a crucial player under him.

Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka both missed the clash with Arsenal due to injury, but their replacements in Alex Telles and Diogo Dalot impressed with their performances in the match and are well within their rights to stake a claim to start against The Eagles.

Harry Maguire returned from suspension and looked a lot less shaky at the back, so will hope to build upon that on Sunday.

Rangnick will have to choose between Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelöf to partner Maguire at the back, as Raphael Varane is still side-lined.

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Paul Pogba is expected to be out until the new year.

There has been lots of talk over the formation Rangnick may use as United boss, with most suggesting a hybrid of the 4-4-2 and 4-2-2-2 systems is likely to be deployed, so it will be intriguing to see which players he believes can fit the roles he wants the best.

Players such as Donny Van de Beek, Jesse Lingard and Diogo Dalot may see the appointment of Rangnick as a chance to prove themselves and claim their spots as starting eleven players.

Opposition: Crystal Palace

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Managed by Arsenal legend Patrick Viera (who assisted the greatest FA Cup goal in history, scored by Ryan Giggs), Crystal Palace have surprised a few with their impressive performances so far this season.

They find themselves 11^th in the league, after being tipped as one of the favourites to go down, just five points shy of Manchester United, so will be no pushover by any means.

Only James McArthur and Nathan Ferguson are expected to be out with injuries, whilst Joel Ward is suspended.

Key Stats

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Since returning to Manchester United, every single one of Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals have either been to draw United level, or for them to take the lead. Every single one of his goals have been crucial, yet some people pretend he is an issue for the club.