Manchester United welcomes Crystal Palace on Saturday in a match-up of two teams coming off wholly unfulfilling results. Palace stumbled at home losing 3-1 against Sunderland, while United lost the first Manchester Derby on the season 1-0 against Manchester City.
Manchester United vs. Crystal Palace: Time, TV schedule and team news
United welcome struggling Crystal Palace to Old Trafford, needing a win to get back on track in their chase of a Top 4 spot.
United’s season has been a roller coaster filled with highs, lows, false starts and confusion. Despite the new head coach and the record transfer spending, United really aren’t in any better shape than they were last season under David Moyes. The Red Devils are currently 10th in the Premier League with just three wins, and they’ve only managed back-to-back wins once. Everytime it looks as if United are set to finally take a big step forward, they find a way to take one backwards.
Head coach Louis van Gaal said this week that the start to the season is making him “feel lousy” for everyone involved with club, and you can certainly understand why. Manchester United were supposed to return to the top of the league this season, reclaim their place in the Champions League. Instead, they’re treading water in the middle of the table.
Key Player: Whomever plays in the United defense
Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Jony Evans and Marcos Rojo are all out and Rafael is doubtful. So who does that leave to play in the back for United? Antonio Valencia will likely be called upon to play at right back again, while Michael Carrick seems the likely pick to play in the middle. Luke Shaw is healthy so the left back spot is covered, but that's not exactly a group that will inspire a lot of confidence. Chances are David de Gea will need to have a big day, much like he did against Everton.
Kay Matchup: Neil Warnock’s bravery vs. his desire to play it safe
Even with Radamel Falcao out, United still have plenty of dangerous attacking options that could test the Palace defense. That leaves head coach Neil Warnock with a decision to make on his his team's instructions on Saturday. Tell your attacking midfielders to be aggressive and try to take advantage of United's wounded defense, or play it safe, defend and hope to hit them on the counter? Both plans have their positives and negatives, so it will be interesting to see what Warnock decides to do.
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Jonny Evans (foot), Marcos Rojo (shoulder), Radamel Falcao (calf), Phil Jones (shin), Jesse Lingard (knee), Chris Smalling (suspended). In Doubt: Rafael Da Silva (hamstring).
Crystal Palace injuries and suspensions
Out: Mile Jedinak (suspended), Wilfried Zaha (ineligible). In Doubt: Damian Delaney (illness)
United continue to be hammered by injuries with Marcos Rojo the latest defender to be sidelined. With Evans and Jones already out, and Rafael doubtful, Michael Carrick will likely have to step into the defense. For Palace, Mile Jedinak is serving a one-match ban for being sent off in the loss against Sunderland, while Zaha is on loan from United and can’t play against his parent club. Jason Puncheon is expected to take Zaha’s place in the attack.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 3 p.m. local, 10 am. ET
Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S. - English), RDS 2, TSN4 (Canada)
Online: NBC Live Extra (U.S.), TSN online (Canada)
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