Predicted Man United lineup for important clash against Palace.
Manchester United head into the clash with Crystal Palace at Old Trafford needing to build on the momentum from their recent win over Everton, and the lineup is likely to stay largely consistent with only a couple of enforced tweaks. With the race for European places tightening, there is little room for unnecessary experimentation. There were loads of nervy moments against Everton, but eventually, Sesko came in clutch.
Coming up against a technically strong and organised side, especially in midfield, so the selection decisions in the centre of the pitch could be decisive for United against Oliver Glasner’s side.
Goalkeeper and Defence: Senne Lammens, Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw
In goal, Senne Lammens, end of. In front of him, the defensive unit should remain familiar, with Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw operating as full-backs and the centre-back partnership of Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire continuing together. Yoro’s composure and recovery pace have complemented Maguire’s physical presence and aerial strength, and the pairing has looked increasingly secure in recent weeks.
Midfield: Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte or Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes
The midfield selection may be where the biggest debate lies. Casemiro is certain to start after a standout display against Everton in which he controlled the tempo and broke up play effectively. Kobbie Mainoo also produced a solid performance and kept the ball moving well, but Crystal Palace are expected to field Adam Wharton, whose technical quality and range of passing could force United into more physical battles.
Because of that, Manuel Ugarte is a realistic alternative if the coaching staff decide to prioritise ball-winning and defensive protection alongside Casemiro. Either Mainoo or Ugarte would sit behind Bruno Fernandes, who will operate in the number ten role and remain the creative hub of the side.
Attack: Amad, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko
The wide positions should see Amad Diallo and Matheus Cunha continue after both offered energy and direct running against Everton. Cunha in particular has brought unpredictability and forward drive from wide areas, which United will need against a Palace side that tends to defend in compact lines. The expected absence of Bryan Mbeumo after he limped off last time out opens the door for Benjamin Sesko to come into the side. Sesko’s recent scoring run, with six goals in his last seven matches for United, makes a strong case for inclusion and gives United a more direct and physical focal point in attack.
The likely shape therefore resembles the Everton lineup with only minor adjustments depending on midfield selection. A probable XI would be Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo or Ugarte; Amad, Bruno, Cunha; Sesko. If United can reproduce the balance they showed in the previous match, they will feel confident of controlling the game at Old Trafford, but Palace’s midfield quality means this will not be straightforward.