The Manchester United lineup that should start against Crystal Palace

02 March 2021 03:45

Manchester United haven’t picked up enough points since going top of the Premier League in January, plain and simple. That makes Wednesday night’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park absolutely crucial to stay comfortably ahead in the race for the top four.

United have failed to beat Palace at home since September 2017, but have bizarrely won on each their last five visits to south London. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be hoping to keep that run going.

Here’s a look at the United XI the manager should pick…


1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Aaron Wan-Bissaka will face his former club | Alex Pantling/Getty Images

David de Gea (GK): Recorded a welcome clean sheet against Chelsea last time out but United aren’t generally keeping enough of them.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB): Preparing for only his second return to Selhurst Park since leaving Palace for United. Will be tasked with keeping one of Palace’s rotating wingers quiet.

Harry Maguire (CB): Still needs to prove that he can stand up and be counted. Has looked too weak in recent months and keeping Chelsea at bay was no indicator of progress.

Victor Lindelof (CB): The Swede has shaken off back complaints and appears to have won the battle with Eric Bailly for now, but he stands to be replaced as a starter come summer.

Luke Shaw (LB): Has made the left-back spot his own since returning to fitness in December, although it would be a boost now if he could get the assists he was getting in early February.


2. Midfielders

There is pressure on Bruno Fernandes to perform | Visionhaus/Getty Images

Fred (CM): The Brazilian has underlined his importance to United in recent weeks as the legs in central midfield. His attacking contributions leave a little to be desired, however.

Scott McTominay (CM): Paul Pogba remains a doubt for this one even though he started to train more normally after recovering from a thigh injury.

Bruno Fernandes (AM): The Chelsea draw ended a run of four consecutive Premier League games with a goal for United’s talisman. The others still appear to rely on him a little too much.


3. Forwards

Anthony Martial could get a chance to start | Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Mason Greenwood (RW): The youngster was brought back into the Premier League XI against Chelsea and there are signs of his form from last season, but the goals still aren’t coming.

Anthony Martial (ST): With Edinson Cavani unlikely to start after missing a number of games, the Frenchman could get the nod in the ‘number nine’ role.

Marcus Rashford (LW): Needs to be on the left flank to be most effective. Will get into Premier League double figures for the third season in a row with a goal here.


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Source: 90min