Manchester United head into a clash against an in-form Crystal Palace team in the Premier League with an ongoing injury crisis. It was confirmed just 24 hours before the game at Selhurst Park that Harry Maguire – the Red Devils’ last remaining fit centre-back – would miss the next few weeks through injury.
This has caused problems for Erik ten Hag, who has already been without Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Willy Kambwala for many weeks now. The Dutch boss is looking to secure Europa League qualification, but will need to take all three points home from London in order to leapfrog Chelsea and Newcastle in the league to move into sixth place.
Amid these injury woes at Old Trafford, below is a predicted XI that Ten Hag could name in Man United’s third to last Premier League fixture of the 2023/24 season against soaring Eagles team
Goalkeeper and Defence
Andre Onana, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Diogo Dalot
Andre Onana is the firm number one choice between the sticks despite an inconsistent first year in England, and there’s no reason to believe Ten Hag will make any changes in this department. Similarly, Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka have been the default choices on either side of the backline due to injuries to Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
The question marks in the team largely surround the central defensive positions. Casemiro is likely to get the nod at the heart of the defence, as he has done multiple times in recent weeks.
While Jonny Evans could be rushed back to play alongside Casemiro, it remains to be seen whether the Northern Irishman will be risked after suffering his own injury plight in recent times. This is the most likely option.
Midfield
Kobbie Mainoo, McTominay, Bruno Fernandes
Two names that have been consistently selected in the middle of the park by Ten Hag are Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. The Red Devils’ captain has been the standout performer at the Manchester-based outfit in the 2023/24 campaign while Mainoo’s emergence in the senior team has earned him a place in the England squad.
Scott McTominay is also a doubt with a knee problem but hopes to play to be able to confront Crystal Palace’s powerful midfield
Attackers
Antony, Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho
Antony has hardly set the world alight during his two years in the Premier League, but the winger netted his first league goal of the season in the last game against Burnley and Ten Hag is likely to stick with him on the right side of the attack.
Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho should retain his place on the left flank as the Argentine has made himself indispensable through some wonderful displays in the past 18 months. Marcus Rashford has been unavailable for a number of games now and can hope for a place on the bench at best if the Englishman overcomes his fitness issues in time for the upcoming clash.
Rasmus Hojlund will continue as the centre-forward in the side. The Denmark international is still bedding into his new surroundings after joining the club in 2023 from Atalanta. He will be hoping to add to his 14 goals in all competitions against the Eagles. Anthony Martial is unlikely to play another game for the club and a half-fit Rashford is unlikely to dislodge Hojlund from the team.
