Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim faces a crucial Premier League test against Crystal Palace, with the Portuguese boss admitting that there are "no excuses" for his team following a string of inconsistent performances. The Red Devils travel to Selhurst Park for a Sunday lunchtime clash against an Eagles side that has proven to be a tough opponent in recent years.
United's recent form has been patchy, with a shock 1-0 defeat to a ten-man Everton side on Monday night highlighting their struggles. This loss followed a five-match unbeaten league run and has increased the pressure on Amorim to deliver a positive response. The manager is demanding a significant improvement, acknowledging that the team needs to bounce back quickly.
Crystal Palace, currently sitting in fifth place, will be looking to capitalize on United's vulnerabilities. Despite a recent 2-1 defeat to Strasbourg in the Europa Conference League, Oliver Glasner's men have been enjoying a strong domestic run, including a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Palace have won three of their last five meetings against Manchester United and are unbeaten in their last five home games against them, conceding just once in that period. United have not won at Selhurst Park since July 2020.
Team news is a significant factor for both sides. Amorim has confirmed that Matheus Cunha will miss the game due to a head injury picked up in training. Benjamin Šeško is also sidelined with a knee injury, and Harry Maguire continues to struggle with a hamstring problem. However, Lisandro Martinez is close to returning after a long-term knee injury and could feature. The predicted Man United lineup is Lammens; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Mazraoui, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dalot; Mbeumo, Mount; Zirkzee.
Crystal Palace also have injury concerns. Will Hughes suffered a knee injury in the game against Strasbourg and is a doubt, while Borna Sosa is unavailable. However, Marc Guehi is set to start after being rested in midweek. Crystal Palace's predicted lineup is Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guéhi; Muñoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Sarr, Pino; Mateta.
Amorim has hinted at potential changes to his lineup following the Everton defeat. He expressed concerns about Patrick Dorgu's performance and suggested Diogo Dalot could replace him. Mason Mount is also in contention to start, potentially at the expense of Joshua Zirkzee.
The statistical preview favors Crystal Palace, who have kept a clean sheet in their last four matches against Manchester United in all competitions. They are also unbeaten in their last five home games against United. Manchester United, on the other hand, have struggled to score against Palace in recent encounters.
Despite Crystal Palace's impressive home record and United's injury concerns, the Red Devils will be desperate to secure a win and climb back up the Premier League table. A victory would ease the pressure on Amorim and provide a much-needed confidence boost. However, Crystal Palace will be equally determined to maintain their strong home form and continue their push for a European spot. Most predictions point towards a draw.
