Phil Jones talked earlier this week of his contribution to the U21 victory against Blackburn as he played over 60 minutes to make his return from injury before declaring himself fit to play in the senior team’s last three games.
Paddy McNair has also spoken of his own increasing confidence, having now started three consecutive games for United for the first time. His confidence, playing alongside Chris Smalling, has increased with every game – despite the fact that all three have ended in defeat.
He spoke of his obvious enjoyment of getting on the ball perhaps further up the pitch than we’d expect to see such a young centre-back: “I quite enjoy having the ball and starting attacks off. I used to play in midfield when I was growing up so I was used to moving the ball around my feet. I would say it is one of my strengths. It makes you manipulate the ball better and so on”.
McNair featured heavily in midfield for various United youth sides and van Gaal is the first manager to deploy him solely as a defender – primarily at centre back, but also at right-back when needed there.
McNair remained cautious about the side’s chances against Palace on Saturday evening, saying “They’re a good side, – I think they’re clear of relegation but a few top-six teams have gone down there and Palace took points off them so it’s going to be tough.”
Victory against Palace would guarantee the Red Devils at least fourth place come the end of the season, if Liverpool lose to Chelsea on Sunday. United legend Denis Irwin can see no further than three points at Selhurst Park.
“I hope Chelsea do us a favour against Liverpool but we have to look after ourselves. It’s important that we get back to winning ways, starting on Saturday. But it’ll be a tough game down there.
“Alan Pardew has done extremely well at Palace and they’re safe now,” Irwin said. “I’m sure they’ll be wanting to beat us, so it’s important we go down there and win. We’re in a battle and have to earn the right to be fourth, so there is still work to be done.”
A fourth consecutive loss would be unimaginable and would leave United needing two wins from their last two games, against Arsenal at OId Trafford and Hull away on the final day – so victory over Crystal Palace is vitally important.
