Manchester United host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Sunday (March 1st), looking to make it six wins in seven games under Michael Carrick. A return to the UEFA Champions League is in the Reds’ hands ahead of their encounter with Oliver Glasner’s side.
Carrick’s appointment as caretaker coach has proven to be one of INEOS’ best decisions since taking over sporting operations. The English tactician hasn’t just achieved results, but his players’ performances have improved.
Preview
The only hiccup thus far has been a 1-1 draw away to West Ham United at the London Stadium two weeks ago. That game was important as his team showed fight to take a point in stoppage time.
Benjamin Sesko came off the bench and scored a superb 90+6th-minute equaliser. Many expected the Slovenian to start against Everton on Monday, but Carrick opted to continue using him as a super-sub.
The 22-year-old came to the fore once again at Hill Dickinson, coming up with a winner in a 1-0 victory over the Toffees. He may well have played his way into a start against Palace tomorrow.
United head into that game knowing a win would see them displace Aston Villa in third place in the Premier League table. Unai Emery’s men fell to a shock 2-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday.
For Palace, all their focus is now on the Europa Conference League after sealing their place in the last 16. The Eagles aren’t flying high like last season when they won the FA Cup and they sit 13th ahead of their visit to the Theatre of Dreams.
Man United team news
United were handed a headache ahead of the Everton game when Lisandro Martinez was ruled out with calf discomfort. Leny Yoro filled in for the Argentine alongside Harry Maguire and did a stellar job.
Martinez won’t be available for Sunday’s clash with Palace. Carrick said in his pre-match press conference that he shouldn’t be sidelined for too much longer.
The United coach ruled Patrick Dorgu out as the Danish winger continues to recover from a hamstring problem. The young Dane’s rehabilitation is reportedly going well, and he could be back before the season concludes.
Carrick told reporters:
“Patrick is a little bit further down the line really, in terms of a number of weeks but he’s progressing well. Licha is a lot closer than Patrick is. It will be a matter of days hopefully, it won’t be too long. We’ll assess him over the next day or two, and see where he is.”
Mason Mount’s United spell has been a frustrating one due to recurring injury issues. The English midfielder hasn’t appeared since coming off the bench in a 2-0 win over Manchester City in late January.
Carrick gave an update on Mount:
“Mason is getting closer really. He’s on the grass and he’s getting closer, he’s looking to train and be in around it pretty soon.”
There are growing concerns over Matthijs de Ligt, who has been dealing with a back problem since November. He hasn’t featured since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim and his chances of returning anytime soon look slim:
“Matthijs, he’s had a back issue, which has been a little bit slower to progress really. It’s something we’ve been working through and he’s getting there. He’s in the right direction but, as I said, he’s just a little bit further behind.”
Carrick will have the same squad available to him as he did for the win over Everton. There are no new injury problems and that is good news at such a crucial stage of the season.
Expected XI
Surely the Palace game is when Sesko gets the nod to lead the line from the off for the first time under Carrick. He has delivered in recent weeks and even been named United’s Player of the Month despite not starting one of four games.
Sesko has scored in three of them, and those goals have won points, including a stunning winner in a 3-2 win over Fulham. He can be expected to be the focal point of his side’s attack alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Amad Diallo wasn’t at his best at Everton on Monday and was brought off by Carrick. The three summer signings all linked up for Sesko’s winner against David Moyes’ side.
Martinez’s absence will probably mean Yoro continues in central defence alongside Maguire. The French youngster has been brilliant in recent weeks, including in the draw against West Ham.
Carrick has rarely made changes to his team, especially in such high spirits and carrying momentum. That’s why the only change to the lineup from the victory at Hill Dickinson should be up front.
Manchester United predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Yoro, Shaw; Mainoo, Casemiro, Fernandes; Mbeumo, Sesko; Cunha
Prediction
This is on paper Carrick’s easiest game since taking charge of United for a second time on a caretaker basis. Palace have been in poor form, winning just three of 16 games across competitions.
The Eagles bounced back last week with a 1-0 win against 10-man Wolverhampton Wanderers. They then secured a 2-0 victory over Bosnian minnows Zrinjski Mostar in the Europa Conference League play-offs.
Glasner suggested he saw where the Reds can get at during the win against Everton. The Austrian manager is under pressure and will want his side to pull off a surprise.
That doesn’t seem likely, not least because they were only in action against Zrinjski three days ago. Fatigue will take its toll, and the hosts should be able to pick up all three points with Sesko again finding the back of the net.
Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Crystal Palace
