Manchester United plays Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday in an exciting Premier League contest. United is currently placed in the seventh-place whereas, Crystal Palace is currently placed at the 11th spot in the table.
As Manchester United hosts Crystal Palace, the club enters a new era under Ralf Rangnick. It’s time for a shake-up and some new ideas to re-energize the club. Rangnick is known as Germany’s “Godfather” of modern football.
Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, and Julian Nagelsmann have all benefited from his guidance as top managers. He idolizes Klopp’s ‘gegenpressing’ style, which he will try to emulate at Old Trafford.
However, putting such a complicated strategy into action will take time. For the time being, he’ll focus on keeping the Red Devils on the winning track. They confront an unpredictable Palace side that, if misjudged, can wreck the party. United must be mindful of the threat, work hard, and seize opportunities to kick off the Rangnick era with a bang.
Ralf in the house! 🏠✊#MUFC pic.twitter.com/gsWLRPWwMo
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 3, 2021
United overcame Arsenal 3-2 in their most recent match, while Palace fell to Leeds United for the second time in a row. Crystal Palace was unfortunate to lose the match against Leeds because they dominated the game.
In United’s case, Bruno and Ronaldo were back to their best, with the latter scoring his 800th and 801st goals to send a strong message to the new boss. The Portuguese have a reputation for not pressing, yet he proved his worth by chasing down opposing defenders for the ball all over the field.
The FA has penalized Palace for losing control of their players after a brawl against Aston Villa. Palace’s recent record against new managers hasn’t been encouraging. They recently drew with Graeme Jones’ Newcastle United and then lost to Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa.
Rangnick will be making his Premier League debut, and a win in his first match would be a good start. Rangnick’s foundation has been established by both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Carrick, and the time has come for him to produce on the greater stage.
United have picked up seven points in their last three games across all competitions, and a win over Arsenal would enhance their confidence ahead of the Palace match.
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace: Head-to-head
Games played between the two sides: 59 games
Manchester United wins: 38
Crystal Palace wins: 9
Draws: 12
Our Last meeting:
Manchester United 0-0 Crystal Palace, March 3, 2021
The two sides’ most recent meeting did not leave a big impression, as they drew a goalless draw at Selhurst Park, United’s third consecutive result with the same scoreline.
In a game of scant chances, Vicente Guaita stopped Nemanja Matic’s first-half effort, and it took until the second half for Palace to register a shot on goal, Jordan Ayew hitting straight at Dean Henderson.
The visitors failed to make their possession count, and they were grateful for Henderson’s quick reflexes in the final moments when he made a crucial stop to deny Patrick van Aanholt.
Crystal Palace Current Form: W, W, D, L, L
Manchester United Current Form: L, L, W, D, W
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace: Team News
Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba will both be missing due to injury, while Edinson Cavani and Luke Shaw are huge doubts for the match at Old Trafford. Aaron Wan-Bissaka missed the encounter against Arsenal due to a hand injury; he could return, but Diogo Dalot, who impressed against the Gunners, could replace him.
Rangnick will be able to rotate his squad against Young Boys in the Champions League next week, so it would not be surprising to see the same XI that started against Mikel Arteta’s side.
Nemanja Matic was also absent against Mikel Arteta’s side due to a hamstring problem and is unlikely to return, so it would not be surprising to see the same XI that started on Thursday.
Ronaldo was substituted late in the game against Arsenal, but it was merely as a precaution, and the 36-year-old is set to lead the line again.
During Friday’s news conference, Palace assistant manager Osian Roberts stated that Joachim Andersen is responding to treatment for his hamstring ailment and could be eligible for selection.
However, James McArthur and Nathan Ferguson are still out due to injury, while Joel Ward is suspended, therefore James Tomkins could be shifted to right-back.
Christian Benteke and Luka Milivojevic both began on the bench against Leeds the last time they played, but both are eager to return, while Wilfried Zaha will line up in attack against his former side.
Our Prediction for the Match:
With Manchester United having a big change in the management set-up, we expect Rangnick’s boys to grab an important win again. Crystal Palace will be a tough side and it will be a must-watch contest.
Also, Read– Manchester United vs Crystal Palace Betting odds and tips
Our Scoreline: Manchester United 3-1 Crystal Palace
